Voting for common sense
THE EDITOR, Madam:
ICAN vividly remember the first time I voted. I was young, bright-eyed, bushy-tailed and eager to exercise my franchise. This is what democracy is all about, is it not? Today, I am still young, driven and eager, but my mindset has shifted. I am not currently in the land I call home, but if I were, I would not be voting this time around.
I can recall my reaction when I first saw the headline. The bell had been rung and tolled the date September 3. My emotional reaction was one of anger mixed with annoyance and befuddlement. How could a general election be called at this point in time? What sense does that make considering the current pandemic and the uptick in positive COVID-19 cases in Jamaica? I was expecting that shortly after there would be a release of the new protocols to ensure everyone’s safety. I mean, we all know what election season is like. The fever is second to none. But, no!
NEED RESPONSIBLE LEADERS
Instead, I was led to believe that the flaunting of Clarks, the blaring and clashing of dubs, and our green/orange blood have somehow given us immunity to COVID-19. All our Jam-rocking would fortify our resistance to a vicious, highly impartial virus that has reduced the world’s population by over 800,000 and counting.
Even with our mask-less, distanceless, and reckless behaviours, it would still be rendered impervious to our tallawahness. Really?
I’ve realised now more than ever that politics really is poly-tricks, and I, for one, will not be fooled. I bleed red. I don’t bleed green. I don’t bleed orange. My vote should go towards representation, and not to the stroking of the already massive egos of some who see their role as celebrity and not servant; it should count as an indication and desire for strong leadership, not to build a further divide between the haves and the have-nots; it should wield the power to hold leaders accountable, and not to give them immunity to the sanctions of their wrongdoings; it should be a symbol of the confidence I have in trusting my representatives with the well-being and welfare of myself, my family, my people ... not as a pawn for power, power, and more power.
I am super disappointed in the Jamaican leaders. Now more than ever we need leaders who are selfless visionaries with foresight; who are proactive and not reactive; who are unwavering in their commitment to the people; who recognise progress and prosperity not as mutually exclusive, but as one in the same; leaders who acknowledge that their concept of democracy should not be detrimental to the demographic.
EVONIE BLAKE