Dear Editor,

What is striking as you visit major countries all over the world is how much they value and preserve their history; it is their connection to what has made them what they are and serves as a reminder to all generations about what preceded them.

Yesterday, Emancipation Day, and in a few days Independence Day, are a big deal; however, they have been watered down in importance and relevance. Why is this so?

The vast majority of our people feel economically “shackled” and, with each passing year, our freedom of movement is being taken away more and more by murder rates akin to civil wars. Moreover, many of us believe that these issues are borne out of poor leadership. Our leaders’ primary occupation is to win elections and get into power, so much so that they completely ignore their obligation to continue our journey to true independence.

Our forefathers sacrificed too much for us to give this away. This holiday period should be way more than just parties, it should be about a renewal of our drive as a people to be truly independent. Part of that renewal has to be to demand better accountability from those who have been put in a position of leadership.

Happy Emancipation Day, Caribbean people, our struggle continues.

Richard Pandohie

Kingston