Where did we go wrong?

The Editor, Sir,

I want to really have a conversation with you today to see if we can figure out what went wrong or whether, in fact, it did. Remember when we had to memorise the national anthem and pledge in primary school? Notice how people in their 40s have a certain national pride? Could it be that that we, as a young nation, were very proud of what we had accomplished and were united in a common purpose?

Remember when the focus was on education? It was, not because of the political directorate but because of the community, because if you did not pass the Common Entrance exam or Grade nine tests, you automatically started thinking of a learning some skill. The issue then was poverty. Was it not within that time that people would look to the elders and the justice of the peace or whomever else who had some 'connection' to see what could be done to help a son or daughter? Sounds like we were more our brothers' keeper then.

How about when we were told in the 1970s we had to feed ourselves and not rely on imports? I hear the minister of agriculture saying the same thing now. Back then, it was communism or socialism or some other 'ism' but feeding yourself was not patriotic. I wonder if we really had taken farming seriously back then what would be our fiscal situation now?

Remember how working was a good thing? Having a job was an early accomplishment - the car and house were now the goal. Then somewhere along the line the little guy with political ambitions started telling us the owner was using us to get rich and we were being exploited. We should pay them union dues then they would tell us how to deal with these 'masters', usually you were told to strike.

Jobs are gone to other islands ... notice how their dollar is better than ours?

Remember the early days of entertainment - radio was king then. Nice to see where comedy has gone; music is another matter. The dancehall thing is great in a lot of areas but with some armed camps it is becoming more about who is the gangster not who is talented.

One common thread runs through our conversation, somehow we got it right and did it right then lost it to some selfish ambition. I wonder if we can get it right again?

I am etc.,

COLIN NEWMAN

dorcan1231@hotmail.com

Independence City

St. Catherine