Dear Editor,

I woke one morning to find that freedom of speech is no longer allowed in my country. What is most frightening is that it is being spearheaded by a government that had much to say when it was in Opposition and enjoyed it to the hilt. The sanctity of freedom of speech was so entrenched then, that it led to them organising a gas riot so large and terrible that roads were damaged and businesses and schools closed.

That Opposition formed the government not long afterwards and applied the gas tax. What of the money gained? What is it being used for? If this had happened even in Haiti, there would be a riot – just for the mere insult of it all.

From a layman’s point of view, some of us figure that if this government is allowed five more years we would have a full-fledged dictatorship. Matters are handled without discussion. Despite the outcry against who should proceed with the Manatt Enquiry, it will go on with the same three people. What do you think will be the outcome? From the problem began, it seemed always to be someone else’s fault. I believe we need an international observer — one who will write the truth. Jamaicans are too compromised, either by fear or promises.

The next observation is, whenever a person or the press says anything against a member of the government, such a person or media house will get tarred and feathered. Do you notice this too? And what of Clovis’s cartoons in the Observer?

My greatest issue with government is that its members and followers appear to see things from a lopsided viewpoint. Last but not least, Jamaicans are too listless. They laugh too much and make light of everything.

JM Fletcher

Irish Town

St Andrew