Dear editor,

As I reflect on Emancipation Day, I am pregnant with emotions at the very thought that it was on August 1, 1838 that slaves in Jamaica were granted their passport of humanity and liberation.

I must say I am overjoyed that our forefathers fought long and hard just so that we could be free of the chains and shackles and enjoy a better life than the one any of them have ever experienced. For that we are grateful, but the struggle continues.

I am going to use the case of a section of the main road in St Thomas, the Seaforth and Trinityville area. It is woefully saddening to note that these areas have representatives who sleep well at nights knowing that the people they serve have to face such turbulent roadway.

This can be easily compared to the white slave masters who lived a life of comfort while others were clearly uncomfortable. The point is that, just like our forefathers fought to relieve themselves of that which was cruel, inhumane and substandard, it is high time the people of Jamaica, no matter where you are, understand what it means to be human, what it means to be offered quality representation and what it means to accept nothing less than what you deserve.

As we go through this season of reflection and embracing our national pride, remember your communities and envision the life and legacy that you wish to leave behind for your children and your children’s children to inherit. Believe that you deserve nothing less than the best, and emancipate yourselves from worthless politicians.

Kimberley Thompson