Dear Editor,

“This Government has shown that we have the capacity to pursue major development projects, include the people, preserve the environment, and improve the general aesthetics so that the human condition and the human development can be maximised.” This statement by Prime Minister Andrew Holness got me thinking about the atrocities and injustice that were meted out on our mothers and fathers who once occupied the Constant Spring Market, which sustained many lives.

The decision certainly did not include the people or considered them, neither did it preserve the environment nor improve the general aesthetics of the once-pristine Manor Park area.

What has resulted is an unregulated “bend-down” market operating in very unhygienic conditions, while the now-choice lands remain idle and fenced off, to be handed, no doubt, to those who already have at the expense of the have-nots.

How is human development being maximised when citizens are removed from a formal setting with its attendant amenities and forced to set up little tables along Olivier Road and impede traffic to ply their trade at the mercy of the elements? That’s the reality of the callousness that has been wrought upon these people.

The inequality with which we treat citizens based on perceived status, class, colour, and political patronage is glaring. These attempts to divide society based on ideological differences, social identity, and socio-economic classifications is trending down a dangerous path.

As the economic inequalities increase and we witness more disparities in wealth distribution, we see the emergence of a new elite who produces nothing tangible, is not involved in manufacturing or growing crops, but is more adept at manipulation under the guise of money management. When coupled with the inability of the Government to provide a safety net against the fallout from the novel coronavirus pandemic, these conditions have only resulted in more of our people being left behind. However, squarely in their sights are signs of opulence and wealthy living. This communicates a feeling of being robbed by an uncaring system that doesn’t assist in preserving dignity but, instead, promotes mistrust and lack of confidence. The fear is that this widening gap is hurting not only many individuals but is putting our society at risk.

Sadly, while this is happening, some try to gain and maintain power divisively by utilising a divide-and-rule policy that makes people and communities targets.

Having gained the power, they proceed to enrich themselves and their cronies, disregarding the golden rule and thinking all is well, but that’s a dangerous and unwise assumption as there is a tolerance limit.

R Nunes

ralstonnunes@gmail.com