Dear Editor,

We are living in economic times where we seem unaware of who owns what and whom. It is very sad for us to be living such a reality. A country’s citizens have the right to know who really governs them, who makes the laws, and what is good for our people.

Jamaica is not apart of the USA, but because of our debts to that country and our need for their aid, they seemingly own our country and the people within — hard thing to say.

Notice, though, it seems our country depends on America to authorise our production on ganja. Therefore, the American Federal laws are implied in our country’s regime.

Are we going to completely sell out our culture as well? We have started trading our culture for newer ones, for example: Halloween, what do we know about it?

Now, since we have to borrow money, take grants and sell our properties and natural resources, we need to be concerned for the consequences that the citizens will face in the long run. As a result, we are subjected to being ‘slaved’, we are being dictated to on how to live our lives as an independent nation, and we are being implicitly ruled by private entities.

As an independent nation we should utilise our resources as best as it serve us and aim to be self-sufficient. When will our Government realize that taking other people’s money is like bait to fish? We’ve beyond hooked and can be tugged at will. We are taking the bait not knowing that we are being trapped by rules and regulations of other countries.

It is time for us to play out the real meaning of being an independent nation.

Lattesha Harvey

St Catherine

lattesha.harvey@yahoo.com