Dear Editor,

As we entered Black History Month I started to reflect on a few issues that are of great concern to me. I am now asking of myself and the society of which I am a part this very important question: Where are we as a people in embracing and accepting the privileges fought for and gained by our forefathers who sacrificed so we wouldn’t have to experience the many injustices they did?

A month before the last parish council elections, as a candidate running in a division (Craighead in Manchester North Eastern) — where the odds were strongly against me winning for various reasons — I ran into an old friend from high school and I proceeded to ask for his support. He said, in his response, “I know you are a very hard worker, and I know you would do well as a councillor both for the division and for the people, but I can’t vote for you.”

I inquired of him why not? He told me I couldn’t win mainly because I didn’t have the resources and, “If you don’t have anything to give the people they won’t vote for you.”

I said to him, “My friend, be the change that you want to see. What if Paul Bogle viewed it like you, then he would not have marched to Morant Bay.” He told me that if it was today, Paul Boyle would have to marched alone; “If him no have nothing to give dem a would a him one.”

I grappled with the thought that he might be right, but I still believe there is hope, as there are still people, however few they are, who will stand for what is right no matter the outcome. The majority will do nothing these days if something isn’t in it for them.

The thing that is most appalling that many are squandering the freedoms gained for scarce spoils. Many who are supposed to be sensible and somewhat independent, both in resources and thinking, are now refusing to participate (voting) as they allow many vital decisions to only be made by those that can be influenced by “a drink a rum”.

As a people, we need to reflect on where we are and move with alacrity to correct our present situation. This thing that we say “mi no business”, or “ mi a no informa”, must become a thing of the past. In many cases, we the people are aware of what is taking place in our communities and refuse to take the necessary action to arrest the problem. Many times it is only when it affects us directly that we now react.

Let us once again embrace the freedoms gained by not squandering that which was gained by those in society who were determined to take us out of the dark ages. We must not allow our society to disintegrate into one in which we have no moral standards.

Gary Rowe

magnett0072004@yahoo.com