Dear Editor,

As a young Jamaican student, I am elated to celebrate Jamaica's 50th year of Independence because this is a significant achievement in any country's history. However, in spite of all the euphoria that is attached to the occasion, we must realise that though we are celebrating 50 years of achievement, we must also bemoan 50 years of institutional inadequacies.

Our justice system is arguably one of the best in the region. However, there have been instances where people have had to endure a painful wait because of a system that moves slowly.

As a nation we continue to lose our talented young men at the hands of the security forces and criminal elements; we have failed to develop a security force that represents all of Jamaica. Instead, we have in most cases a security force that constantly protects those who live above Torrington Bridge and apprehends those who live below Torrington Bridge.

We have an education system that has failed many of our students; we have educators who do not care whether their students pass an examination. We are even more alarmed when we hear reports of certain organisations refusing to employ young people because their skin is not light enough.

I urge all Jamaicans to come together and offer - especially the younger generation - a new direction because, in spite of the institutional inadequacies, we have still been able to achieve great things.

I urge the government to take the necessary steps to address the institutional inadequacies before our 50th year of Independence is through. I urge the government to make some bold steps in tackling tribal and garrison politics which pose the greatest threat to our democracy. Jamaica awaits this move by the administration.

Abde Lee

abblee.god@gmail.com