Dear Editor,

The Gully-Gaza phenomenon is unique and instructive. It is unique in that the two feuding factions are headed by dancehall DJs rather than by dons and politicians. It is instructive in that the craze has engulfed our young people to the extent that even Usain Bolt has come off the fence. Indeed, it suggests that our young people are hungry for leadership and crave a sense of identity.

The nation was informed of a meeting that took place at Jamaica House between the leaders of the Gaza and Gully crews – Vybz Kartel and Mavado – and some members of the government. Many, including some of my clergy colleagues, have berated and scolded the government for making such a “juvenile” and unnecessary move, claiming that it was a colossal waste of time that amounted to placing a Band-Aid on a sore rather than dealing with the cause thereof. These persons are of the view that tackling the economic and social issues of the day is more important than meeting with dancehall artistes.

With full knowledge of the potential repercussions, I beg to differ with those who think that the government should not have hosted that meeting. Whereas there are more imperative issues to deal with in the country, their urgency does not negate the significance of such a meeting. Let us not throw out the baby with the bath water. We must condemn the vulgarity of the lyrical content of the songs but we should also seek to meet the people behind them with a view to bringing about positive change. This is the “pastoral” role that the government has sought to play. Indeed, this decisive move might give the government the respite it needs so that it can refocus its energies on more pressing matters.

The reality is that there are historical precedents with respect to thepositive transformational role of entertainers on the national scene in conjunction with politicians. Let us not forget that Jesus met with influential sinners and sought to transform them and use them to transform, although there were more “critical” concerns. It seems that the church has failed to recognise this in distancing itself from “sinners” towards whom it should move with its multi-dimensional and multi-directional redemptive message and praxis. The pastoral role that the government is playing is one that the church should be playing in the society. But, alas, the ecclesiastical giant has been found sleeping again!

Earlmont Williams

earlmontwilliams@gmail.com