Dear Editor,

We proudly try to impress the world with our national motto “Out Of Many One People” but in reality are we really one people?

Jamaica is a nation with a majority black population. We are governed by a parliament with a great majority of members of African heritage. We have police and military institutions comprised of over 90 per cent black Jamaicans.

One would consequently rationally believe that all our black citizens would be treated with respect, afforded equal opportunity and access to the joys of the country by all our institutions. Unfortunately, in reality, that is not the experience of the majority of Jamaicans regardless of the “Brand Jamaica” propaganda.

It is reported that over 30 per cent of our population live in squalid squatter settlements, often lacking clean water, having impassable roads, unreliable electricity, and a life doomed to joblessness. Political parties, that claim to love and care about the least among us, have encouraged the growth of political garrisons designed to keep poor populations tied to the respective parties in perpetuity. We have seen the growth of a subclass of citizens trapped in political enclaves ruled by dons and armed thugs. We live in fear of a police force that metes out varied abuses on the poor on a daily basis. We have a justice system that is at times partial to the wealthy among us.

We may not want to admit it, but we live in a country of stark inequality, where only very few can enjoy the beauty of a pristine beach, a short few days in a quality hotel, an occasional meal in a fine restaurant, a play at a local theatre, or a refreshing drive through the mountains.

While a few among us wallow in wealth, the majority of us sink further into poverty losing hope and fervently encouraged to pray for a better existence.

R Oscar Lofters

Kingston 8

lofters1@aol.com