Emancipate yourselves

THE EDITOR, Sir:

ONCE AGAIN we engage our nation in this annual event popularly known in various countries across the globe as 'Black History Month'.

During our celebrations, we acknowledge and laud the assertiveness, frankness, bravery and sacrifice that our icons have displayed in their efforts to gain recognition and justice for blacks.

We also recognise their intellectual abilities, resoluteness and various contributions that they have made in improving the quality of life for the black race in particular, and the international community in general. Internationally, we focus on renowned blacks such as Martin Luther King Sr, Nelson Mandela, Bishop Desmond Tutu, Stephen Biko and Jessie Jackson, among many others.

Here in Jamaica, we recognise the work of national icons such as Nanny, Sam Sharpe, Paul Bogle, George William Gordon, Marcus Garvey, Norman Manley and Sir Alexander Bustamante. The latest local icon who has been given worldwide recognition for his contributions with respect to equal rights and justice for all is international reggae artiste Bob Marley.

Paying lip service

While we verbally acknowledge and pay tribute to black icons, our actions and attitudes generally reflect a completely difference sentiment. When we carefully examine the behaviour of many persons in authority, it is clear that these individuals have scant regard for the rights of the common people. The 'working class' has been exploited in the worst ways, where their wages are usually just enough to keep them going back to work. The 'authorities', inclusive of some multilateral companies, have unleashed high service rates and imposed heavy fines on us to the point where a vast number of persons continue to slump more and more in poverty.

Regardless of efforts by our icons to empower us, we continue to destroy ourselves with selfishness, greed, covetousness and envy. We spend much time planning how to outsmart or to get by our rivals rather than finding solutions which will benefit us all. The great Marcus Garvey emphasised the need for us to be united. This is essential if we are to become strong and progressive. Let us therefore "emancipate ourselves from mental slavery", as the famous Bob Marley declared in his song.

I am, etc.,

Noel Julius

jules2712@yahoo.com