Dear Editor,

I am writing this letter in the hopes that my desire as a citizen of Jamaica that wishes to see the cessation of mining in and near the Cockpit Country is taken into account.

We were all born on this land and share the same rights to it as anyone else. I understand the need for a nation to generate revenue in order to function effectively; however, I must make it known that I am strongly opposed to mining in or near the Cockpit Country. I oppose it for the harm it will inflict not just upon the land and the people who reside there, but also the devastating impact it will have on future generations.

I am sure you are quite aware of all the scientific and expert reasons and data that have been published and presented if mining is allowed, so I do not need to repeat any of those facts. I only need to add my voice to those of my fellow Jamaicans who wish to see our country and the well-being of her people respected and preserved.

Being a leader is not an easy role. Sometimes we have to make tough decisions and live with those consequences. At times like those we have to ask: What are the long-term goals and benefits?

Jamaica was the leading bauxite producer and exporter for decades, but if we are honest we will admit that it has not truly benefited the average Jamaican in any meaningful way, especially those that lived close to the mining sites. Even if a vast majority of the population benefited from it, where has all that wealth gone? Are we now going to make history repeat itself — only this time with a more devastating consequence?

History will not look kindly on those that made the wrong decision for convenience and short-term goals in exchange for a devastated country and destroying the lives of their people.

There are countries with less natural resources than us and they find ways to take care of their citizenry, albeit with hard work and sacrifice, but nothing ever worth having comes without such.

I thank you, in advance, and look forward to the day when Jamaica will be the shining example of boasting development while enjoying her natural, unspoiled beauty.

Viston Samuels

vistonsamuels1@gmail.com