Dear Editor,

Leader of the Opposition Mark Golding recently asserted that the Jamaican people are tired of the deception and corruption of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).

However, it is imperative that Golding and his People’s National Party (PNP) present themselves as doing God’s work along with, but beyond, that of the people’s. As our national pledge says, “To God and all mankind…” Failing to do so will result in the people being delivered into the hands of the JLP again and again. Consider the following indications of this.

Whilst the PNP is busily trying to portray the JLP as “evil”, the JLP is assiduously encouraging the masses, through their efforts, to stick to the evil that they know. Incidentally, this favourite Jamaican saying has biblical origins. In the same breath, the PNP runs the risk of sounding clichéd, as they repeatedly cry foul.

It is best for the PNP to assume the holy duty of a prophet whose charge is to watch and warn the people instead of telling them that which they already know. We Jamaicans have always thought of ourselves as being smart, and even more so now because of search engines. But we are deprived of the truth, and Golding has to become the sacrificial bearer of that truth. And because the truth has only divine origins, the PNP has to submit itself to it, because, clearly, the JLP Administration, with the exception of perhaps one minister and a few councillors, are not doing so.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has learnt from his 2012 General Election defeat that Jamaicans don’t have much affinity or even care for the truth, and it is believed that it was his “bitter medicine” rhetoric which cost him that election.

One major way Golding can remove the veil from people’s eyes and hearts is through children, for such is the kingdom of Heaven. And it is God’s kingdom after which Golding should strive to fashion Jamaica.

Lastly, another spanner being thrown in the PNP’s cog is the claim that they are just like — and won’t be any different or better — the JLP. But this is absolute nonsense.

We often hear believers referring to the Devil as a liar, but if we should think of it objectively, none of the Devil’s so-called lies has been incorrect. A people who are faithful and loves and seeks the truth will be a people who God will desire to lead and deliver from evil for His sake rather than leading them, as a result of their disobedience, to a perilous end, as was the case with Jehosaphat and Ahab, kings of biblical Judah and Israel, respectively.

We are calling on Golding to model himself as a son of truth and serve the people — lest we perish.

Andre O Sheppy

astrangely@outlook.com