Letter of the Day | Let’s do it together

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Notwithstanding the many instances in life when I’ve mused on swaying the unchecked powers securely reposed in the safe and balanced remit of God, without failure, I’m immediately disabused of such frivolity whenever I consider the wider reaches of responsibility that come with swaying such powers. I humbly and wholeheartedly say, let God be God alone.

Let’s get it straight. Whatever diabolical aspirations that may motivate some people who seek public office, the function of political systems in any civil society is indispensable. As an unapologetic Christian, I still believe and practise a theocratic model of personal governance. My first and only allegiance is to God. Everything I do must be approved by Him, whatever the source of that dictum. Hence, some things that may be my legal right to do may not meet the standard of God’s moral code, and, as such, I will not engage.

The freedoms I enjoy are God-given and I cannot be relieved of them by even the most egregious laws in any jurisdiction, because I can always say no and trust God to protect me. It is refreshing, however, when a government today understands and reflects this appreciation of the individual to form a personal view of God and to freely exercise such discretions, as may differ from another’s preference, while not preventing said person from believing and practising their own views.

While I cannot say that we are a perfect state, we are mightily close (as far as respect for personal rights is concerned). I celebrate the open-mindedness of successive governments to religious freedom. Not that it is needed to practise religion, it only makes the practice of religion not an issue that puts us on a wanted list. Thank God for that.

We only have to look at history to appreciate how far we have evolved as a democracy to, by law, have the freedom to do and become whatever we desire. How this reality translates into our domestic, civil, and religious processes may provide the basis for many difficult conversations, but we can’t blame our failures on the absence of a supportive legal framework to allow us to become all we can be. And this is even as we continue to morph and further refine our laws.

So, even as I watch the swearing-in ceremonies and reflect on the work of our politicians, I thank them, and all those who came before them, for all they’ve done, are doing, and will continue to do to make “Jamaica … under God, increase in beauty, fellowship and prosperity, and play her part in advancing the welfare of the whole human race”.

I would support the further refining of our systems of accountability that would allow us to do more of those checks and balances well before a duly called election. That cannot be the only time we weigh in on national matters. It is an excellent look that the prime minister will hold his ministers to account. We are looking forward to those regular reports of how our ministers are performing – allowing both the Opposition and the people to respond in constructive ways to keep us on target.

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7: 14. My commitment to the kingdom of God spurs me to give greater value as a worker, as a teacher, as a Jamaican.

CHARLES EVANS

Assistant professor

Northern Caribbean

University