Dear Editor,

In the 1970s, then Prime Minister, the late Michael Manley, said on public television: “If you do not like my policies, there are five flights a day to Miami, and you can get out of Jamaica”. A number of the middle class, especially the management class, reportedly left and depleted Jamaica of cash and some expertise.

The late Carl Stone wrote that Manley had squandered so much political capital (and by extension, economic opportunity) that it would take generations to recover.

Fast-forward to 2013. The wife of the Governor General, Lady Allen, in a recent emotional rant, stated: “Yesterday morning when I woke up I didn’t want to be a Jamaican; I must be honest with you: I didn’t want to be in Jamaica anymore.” This, after her former bodyguard was brutally murdered at his home in Harbour View.

Then we have the now former President of the Senate, Rev Redwood, who is scheduled to leave with his family to reside in Canada by the end of the month, making what can be the most profound statement made by a politician. He said: “No other Jamaican should be forced or feel forced to make the choice I have to make this month.”

The choice Redwood has made is one several Jamaicans would love to make for the betterment of their families. But what does it say about the Government officials of this country? Are they willing to put in the work needed that Jamaica will be the place that their kids and grandkids can live and work? How many politicians’ kids and immediate family members reside overseas? More importantly, when will they get the tenacity to ensure that Jamaica is going to be a safe and viable place to live, work and raise our families?

You did what you had to Rev Redwood. To quote from imprisoned reggae artiste Buju Banton, “Those who can afford to run will run, but what about those who can’t? They will have to stay.”

Hopefully, I can catch one of those five flights out soon. Bon voyage!

CE Senior

frenne17@hotmail.com