Back in the late 17th, 18th and 19th centuries the enslaved people in Jamaica and elsewhere occasionally set fire to sugar estates.

It was a legitimate expression of rebellion against a most evil, vile and inhumane system.

It is crucial to note that slavery ended in Jamaica in the 1830s. By any measure, that’s a long time ago.

Today, in 2015, a privatised Jamaican sugar sector has benefited in recent years from resource inflows said to be worth close to US$200 million or more from Chinese investors. Sugar, not too long ago seen by many as a lost cause, is being touted as a potential growth niche in Jamaica’s agro industry. Crucially, it remains a valuable employer of labour.

All of which, and more, is why last week’s destruction by fire of large sections of sugar cane at Frome in Westmoreland is so infuriating. Depending on who is speaking, the damage could be in the region of $150 million, $200 million or more. What is certain is that there has been considerable loss for all concerned, including those at the bottom of the socio-economic ladder who depend on the annual sugar crop for employment.

To make matters worse, protestors blocked the roads to register their anger, causing extreme discomfort and inconvenience for those going about their lawful business.

Let’s be clear. All well-thinking people can only feel sorrow for the death of Mr Kamar Powell, the 23-year-old biker who died allegedly at the hands of the police. This newspaper joins the call for independent investigators to leave no stone unturned in finding out what exactly happened and to take the appropriate action.

However, we contend that regardless of the circumstances which led to Mr Powell’s death, the protestors, by their actions, set themselves and their communities in an ugly light.

This newspaper would have had complete sympathy and empathy had the residents taken to the streets in orderly marches and placard-bearing demonstrations — protests which would have captured national attention without causing damage and mayhem.

Similarly, we would have empathised with residents of south-west St Elizabeth early last week had they behaved in a law-abiding manner when protesting against the awful condition of the Burnt Savannah/Mountainside road.

Instead, they, too, resorted to breaking the law by blocking the road, inconveniencing others, including schoolchildren.

It’s been demonstrated over and over again in modern Jamaica that protests based on mayhem, criminality, destruction of property, and antisocial behaviour are self-defeating. Such action is akin to spitting at the sky. If Jamaicans are to build for themselves a self-sustaining, just, equitable, and eventually prosperous society they must desist from behaving in that way.

All those in positions of influence in church, school, politics, business, and community leadership, et al must say so forcefully and clearly, without equivocation.