A nation in disrepute

The Editor, Sir:

The body politic is "a politically organised body of people under a single government". In this case, we recognise that the Jamaican state needs a radical makeover and requires transformation as opposed to reformation. During a recent brief respite with family in the diaspora, I was asked the usual question, what ishappening in Jamaica?

On the positive side, we saw Usain Bolt advertising the country on the cable channels, a symbol of the best in us and the result of talent and organisation in one of the only areas of which we can be proud - sports.

Then came the question, what is the situation with the extradition? My heart sank as we discussed the dire consequences of our government's handling of this matter. Wrong and weak, was the response! Then the Canadian government explained that a group of criminal deportees would be sent back to Jamaica. As usual - murder, drug smuggling, gang violence. Now we have moved to a more perilous point,where some believe that the political party should be privileged over the Jamaican nation.

Integrity

Ours is a nation in disrepute,led by people who seem to lack probity and integrity, who misunderstand their roles. They need to lead this 48-year-old independent country to become a safe, decent prosperous country where the citizen feels respected, hopeful, and where the stewardship of this generation allows for the environment and other resources to be safeguarded for the future.

It is no secret that many outside the country feel that like our capital city, Kingston, our country, Jamaica is dirty and dangerous. Inside, many of our people feel 'flop and pop down' and feel ashamed, disempowered and hopeless. Is it any wonder that others set their dogs on us and turn their minds against us? No calls on patriotism can lift the spirits of the people to rise to the occasion when our leaders are falling to this occasion.

A lack ofintegrity cannot carry us forward. We have not been fooled. We need vision, courage and the truth to transform this body politic. We have danced badly at home and we are now dancing badly abroad.

I am, etc.,

Dr HILARY ROBERTSON-HICKLING

UWI, Mona