Letters

Is Jamaica a failed state?

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Some folks are of the view that Jamaica is a failed state. I do not know what brought them to such conclusion but I would like to know a few things from them:

When Jamaica had less educated blacks. Was it a failed state?

When majority of black people did not own houses and lands but lived in whapem, bappem and tato. Was Jamaica a failed state?

When Negroes (black) people were either barefooted or wearing god blind me. Was Jamaica a failed state?

When the majority of black people's only work was to work in the cane fields or be yard boys for buckie massa. Was Jamaica a failed state?

When the majority of people used to sleep on box, on board, or Jampon corner. Was Jamaica a failed state?

Some folk used to say cornmeal and flour with salt fish better than education. From my point of view, our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It's our light not our darkness that most frightens us. We continue to ask ourselves who am I to be brilliant, talented, gorgeous and fabulous.

I am, etc.,

ALLAN MARTIN

Namibia