Dear Editor,

In marking our diamond anniversary of Independence, Jamaicans at home and abroad have been ushered into a season of reflection.

We are being challenged, as it were, to aim for greatness. A doable challenge, individually or collectively, whether we opt to keep on our current track, change course, or get off some tracks entirely.

The national theme for our 60th celebrations speaks to a reignition towards greatness. Suggesting, in my opinion, that sometime between 1962 and now, our fire seized to burn or did not burn as brightly as it could have. This, therefore, seeks answers to: What happened to our fire? Did we lack the burning materials? Did the people charged with keeping the fire burning abandon their position of tending the flames? Or have we been focused on getting light and heat from the fire of others?

For too long the negative issues that continue to plaque us have been addressed more in the media spaces than at Duke Street or Devon Road.

I listened to a sermon on the subject of salt. Salt in the first century was of great value and was used for a variety of purposes, to include paying wages. I listened intently as the preacher explained that salt as a preserving agent for meat, as an example, does not stop the meat from going bad, but delays the process of decay.

I realised then that the truth of that describes to a great extent the approach taken in many instances to address many of Jamaica’s social ills. It is safe to conclude that many of the strategies used to fix, as an example, our crime and violence maladies, have really been salt applications. We are now witnessing the manifestation of rot and decay in the most egregious forms imaginable, with the stench reaching all of us, near and far.

This reignition towards greatness challenge must be a buy-in by all Jamaicans as we reflect on our heritage. We all must resolve to start the process of change in our homes, our schools, our churches, and our communities. We must call out and shame our elected leaders on matters of maladministration. Our voices must be heard through legal, peaceful protests and petitions.

We must commit to work in respectful partnership with the established national institutions tasked with addressing the issues that challenge our growth, development, and our very democracy.

It is my prayer that this reignition idea is not just one for the season because it makes good for a theme. I expect to hear much more from the powers who are on the measuring sticks that will be employed towards actualising Jamaica’s journey in greatness beyond this 60th year.

Ann Marie Brown

mariebrown_003@yahoo.com