Dear Editor,

“Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely. The real safeguard of democracy, therefore, is education.” — Franklin D Roosevelt.

As we have just reflected on the true meaning of August 6, we must consider whether we are truly independent or not, whether there is anything to celebrate, or whether the Grand Gala was a waste of time and money. More than that, I am wondering if Jamaica is truly a democratic country.

In any country where the Government is selected through democratic means the common thought that rests upon the people’s minds is that majority rules or majority counts. Universal adult suffrage was first introduced in Jamaica on November 20, 1944. The aim of such was to create a system that extended voting rights to all adults irrespective of race, sex, or social class. It was to set the foundation for our political system today, and in, a sense, catalysed the movement toward self-government for Jamaica. It was to set the pace for equity and equality. Universal adult suffrage was embedded in the concept that Jamaica ought to be a democratic nation, where its people would decide who should lead the country and chart their own future as a nation. The process was led by Norman Manley, and Alexander Bustamante would later become the island’s first prime minister.

Before universal adult suffrage the right to vote was determined by the amount of wealth or property a man held.

Only a few in Jamaica really understand the fundamental right to vote. The garrison and bandwagon mentalities cloud our judgement and, as such, our decisions are misinformed and unwise. We need to forget that whomever we choose to lead us is either going to steer us to prosperity or damnation.

Over the years, we have seen a significant decline in the voter turnout. In the 2011 elections, of 1,648,036 eligible to vote, only 869,438 voted (52.76 per cent). Why did 47.24 per cent not vote? In our 52 years of Independence what have we achieved? Struggling to pass some IMF tests while crime, abuse and poverty escalate? In a democracy, people are to select a government that will manoeuvre the obstacles to achieve success; where living is affordable, opportunities readily available, where we

embrace modernisation and globalisation, and have access to 21st-century educational and health services. Innovation becomes a part of us, where we advance in the world of technology and surpass Vision 2030.

However, poor governance is a plague upon our nation. I am yet to see the political party that stands out; they are both the same. What is the point of choosing if there is nothing to choose?

Kenroy Davis

Clark’s Town, Trelawny

kenroy.davis20@gmail.com