THE EDITOR, Sir:

Let's face the facts, lets face reality.

We have been hearing a lot of talk about building a better Jamaica, a better nation. And let's unite. It's a wonderful suggestion. How nice!

But how can we build a better Jamaica, when there are so many barriers; colour prejudice, prejudice from all angle and anti-social behaviour? How can we build a better Jamaica when you go to some government offices and other business places - because you may not be well attired or dressed in the latest fashion - people tend to ignore you and you are given a cold-shoulder in an unpleasant manner?

Furthermore, etiquette and good manners are lacking a great deal in our society today. Aggression, egotism, badmindedness, hatred and greed are taking over.

How can we develop a better Jamaica when 90 per cent of our women are not willing to have a relationship with a man who does not own a car, saying they don't want any walk-foot man? And many of these women are looking for career men to marry instead of respecting the masculine gender and seeing a man as an important being despite his qualification, a person with flesh, blood and bone.

How can we unite when people at the learning institutes, schools and other places, are afraid to ask questions, because they will be laughed at and mocked?

How can we unite when a person of humility, peace and tolerance decides to render good for evil and is being looked upon as being soft, timid and a coward?

How can we develop a better society when 95 per cent of our people are living in fear and are feeling insecure because of crime and violence?

Can we really and truly unite as one people when many people are not satisfied being black - are avoiding the black person, and are bleaching their skin?

Can we unite with each other when 95 per cent of all the relationships are based on conditional love and material gains? Very sadly, this is happening in the church, and it's increasing. And this is the heart of the matter. How sad! Can you imagine, in the church?

How can we create a better nation when, in order to feel like a worthwhile human being, to feel a sense of security, a sense of belonging, you have to have a car, an university degree, or a bachelor's degree?

How can we build a better Jamaica when education is becoming a God, taking the place of God? (don't get me wrong).

Can Jamaica land we love be transformed into a better society when the value or worth of a human life seems to be based on material possessions; when people know the 'Golden Rule' like a poem, and are failing to put it in practise?

Finally, for peace sake, can we have or will we have a better world when people are acting as if they are better than others or as if they won't get sick one day, will not die or need any help?

The time is long, long overdue for people to examine themselves and come to their senses. They need to stop holding on so tightly to their bad attitudes, their stubbornness. When will that be? When it's too late? Heaven help us! We are in serious trouble!

I am, etc.,

DONALD JEFFERSON

MCKOY