Understandably elated over his one-horse victory in the race for the Jamaica Labour Party's (JLP) Area Council Two chairman post, Kingston mayor Councillor Desmond McKenzie is reported to have signalled his intention to target the seven strongholds controlled by the People's National Party. One would be forgiven for questioning the need for political overkill at this time in our history.

stillborn promise

Perhaps, the goodly mayor should immediately embrace the stillborn promise of his leader who pledged to degarrisonise Jamaica rather than seeking to turn Kingston and its environs into enclaves of green. Given the current tense atmosphere across Jamaica, has he stopped to imagine the socio-political friction that his declared mission would generate?

Arguably the most visible and action-oriented mayor in Kingston's history, Mr McKenzie should better target:

The creation of a safer city, particularly in light of the development plans for downtown Kingston;

The perception that the stock of illegal guns and ammunition in Kingston may have reached its per capita highest; and

Greater tolerance towards political opponents, and less inflammatory rhetoric.

If the JLP is not in election mode, as general secretary Karl Samuda asserts, McKenzie should instead redirect his energy and passion towards building bridges and not walls.

As perched as we are on the brink of social explosion, our aching nation yearns for signs of civility, rapprochement and reconciliation. At the very least, the hallowed hat of mayor, which admirers say he has worn with some distinction, demands a higher standard.

I am, etc.,

WAT CHING

wat.ching@yahoo.com

Liguanea

St Andrew