Dear Editor,

Our country has a long way to go, but by faith I am very sure we will get there. The question, however, is when?

I am a Jamaican by birth. Though only 17 years old I will never give up on my country. This is my home, this is my soil, this is my land. But we have some issues that are hindering our growth as a nation and until these are dealt with, every step we take forward we’ll also take two steps backward. And even when we can boast about what we’ve accomplished in the last 52 years, our accomplishments are marred by our incompetence.

The issues affecting us directly are linked to politics. We have a voice, yet still at times we are silenced and are forced to speak and say what our MPs wish us to. Where is our freedom to select who we want to represent us? The ironic thing about it is hearing on a daily basis how they are combating crime when their action helped to put guns in the wrong hands.

Not all Jamaicans are lucky, like I am, to have an MP that they can go to at any time to seek advice or assistance. Being an MP and Cabinet minister at the same time is not and will not prove to be good, because something will be neglected. You can’t serve two masters. If I can’t see you or talk to you or don’t know you at all, how are you my MP? These are the things we need to address as quickly as possible.

Shaquille Ramsay

May Pen

shaquilleramsay@gmail.com