Dear Editor,
There is a crucial aspect of Jamaica’s recently concluded general election that should not be lost on us or taken for granted: the brief campaign was relatively peaceful.
And considering the tribal politics that has plagued us since the 1970s, we have come a far way.
In the aftermath of the election, we should commend our politicians for ensuring that the election campaign was relatively violence-free. A debt they owe to the nation in no small measure. Also, we must give maximum credit to our security forces for their proactive stance in serving and protecting the populace, evident in their vigilant efforts to monitor and manage the tensions and anxieties among the campaigning public. Neither can we overlook the intelligent and efficient approach they applied in communicating with the public following the fatal shootings that occurred at mass meetings. They wasted no time in assuring the public that they are vigorously conducting the investigation.
As a people, we shouldn’t be too modest or hesitant to take credit for the civility and maturity we displayed in avoiding being swayed by the tribal politics mentality, the emotional and psychological trauma of which still lingers. We look forward to the days when political violence and related deaths are deemed unthinkable.
Let us, and our next generation, be able to proudly announce to the world that gone are the days when we were blinded by political party loyalty to the extent that voters are prepared to maim and slaughter each other in the name of political expediency.
Barrington Bryan
Newark, New Jersey, USA
bbrypublish2@yahoo.com
There is a crucial aspect of Jamaica’s recently concluded general election that should not be lost on us or taken for granted: the brief campaign was relatively peaceful.
And considering the tribal politics that has plagued us since the 1970s, we have come a far way.
In the aftermath of the election, we should commend our politicians for ensuring that the election campaign was relatively violence-free. A debt they owe to the nation in no small measure. Also, we must give maximum credit to our security forces for their proactive stance in serving and protecting the populace, evident in their vigilant efforts to monitor and manage the tensions and anxieties among the campaigning public. Neither can we overlook the intelligent and efficient approach they applied in communicating with the public following the fatal shootings that occurred at mass meetings. They wasted no time in assuring the public that they are vigorously conducting the investigation.
As a people, we shouldn’t be too modest or hesitant to take credit for the civility and maturity we displayed in avoiding being swayed by the tribal politics mentality, the emotional and psychological trauma of which still lingers. We look forward to the days when political violence and related deaths are deemed unthinkable.
Let us, and our next generation, be able to proudly announce to the world that gone are the days when we were blinded by political party loyalty to the extent that voters are prepared to maim and slaughter each other in the name of political expediency.
Barrington Bryan
Newark, New Jersey, USA
bbrypublish2@yahoo.com