Dear Editor,

Jamaica needs some serious social reconstruction. For far too long, successive governments have taken us along the path of desperation and uncertainty. Political tribalism and division among the people have played their roles which have had serious effects on our way of life. While some influential people in various positions are offering advice and suggestions as to how we can emerge from this sinking ship, there is still a lot of bickering about the Bruce Golding administration – especially Finance Minister Audley Shaw’s handling of our finances. Some people are of the impression that he is incapable of handling his portfolio. However, I am not in a position to make any judgement on his performance.

Nonetheless, I strongly believe that we all need to join forces – Jamaica Labour Party and the People’s National Party, the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica, the labour force and the security forces, in order to iron out some of the issues that are affecting us. The Jamaica Council of Churches needs to play an important part in helping to solve some of the problems. How else are we going to make it if we don’t join together to create a better society for everyone? There are many predictions for 2010, and only the strong or the determined ones will survive. Desperate situations call for drastic measures and we need to act fast: failure is not an option and we cannot afford to drive ourselves into anarchy which appears to be on the horizon.

Charlie Brown

St Thomas

charliebrown1004@hotmail.com