Dear Editor,

Marcus Mosiah Garvey said: “Without confidence, you are twice defeated in the race of life; but with confidence, you already won, before you even started.”

Marcus Garvey was right in making that remark. And we ought to remember his words.

There is no doubt the benefits of having a life bubbling with confidence, as displaying a great deal of confidence will result in great things in all our deals and doings; even if we fail at some point in life.

It was self-confidence that caused the great Muhammed Ali to become so successful in his boxing career; that enabled him to capture the world heavyweight boxing title from the powerful George Foreman, who seemed unbeatable at the time. It was sheer confidence and terrific display of skilfulness and tactics that caused Ali to demolish the rock-hard muscled Sonny Liston on two occasions. Ali should be our role model when it comes to confidence and determination.

What an awesome advantage of national contentment and good feelings, if we all could have and maintain a high level of trust and confidence in all our governments, and could rely on them?

I am not under-rating or writing off our leaders, but with the level of corruption so high nowadays, we have a right to wonder and think about where we stand when it comes to trust and reliance, even though no one is perfect.

No matter what, we have to confide in someone; our doctor, who prescribes our medication, or our own teacher, etc.

A flock of sheep ought to have confidence in the shepherd. And the good shepherd will not lead his sheep astray. Neither will he allow his sheep to lose confidence in him.

But, with the corruption web so thick among us, it has caused us to lose confidence in our leaders. What a pity?

Losing confidence in those who have the responsibility to lead and direct us, and also set a good example for us to follow, is like a school without a teacher, a church without a pastor, a car without a driver, or a boxer on wobbly legs.

Many of us lack self-confidence, our leaders too, and sometimes the absence of it can be clearly seen, especially when we are doing some activities, whether giving a speech or answering questions in an interview.

And nothing is wrong in admitting our weaknesses in confidence. That’s just one step in realising that we truly need it. Hiding is no solution.

Donald J Mckoy

donaldmckoy2010@yahoo.com