Dear Editor,
The current injection into the public debate of the appropriateness of our national motto brings into question whether some understand what a national motto is all about. It is absolutely important that each and everyone be enlightened about the fact that a national motto represents the dreams and aspirations of a people who would like to live in peace and comfort.
‘One People, One Nation, One Destiny’ means a number of things to the society in 2016, but as society evolves dreams and aspirations may change. The world is not static, and what may today be of material import may not be the same 10 years hence.
In 1966 when this nation was birthed after bitter racial upheavals that saw dislocation, injuries and deaths across the racial divide, the dreams and aspirations of the people that informed the national motto, were influenced by the circumstances of that time.
It should be said that though racial groups fought each other, within the said groups there was an overwhelming and united call for peace and end to the violence. In both the African and Indian communities pronouncements were made that we have to live together as one in this country, and must find ways to do so. Ideas and programmes were also proposed and adopted as to how these can be achieved.
Presently the society is being rocked by the drug trade, corruption, gang violence, transgressing of rights, violating of laws, crimes and joblessness. These things impact negatively across the divide. It means devising efforts at solving these ills will necessitate programmes and respect for the laws which can provide the needed peace and comfort for the people, regardless of race, political association or other difference.
The priorities in 1966 and the priorities today differ significantly, but the people as a collective have a common rallying cry, which is, together we all want better governance, to feel safe, and to be treated with respect and dignity by whichever group forms the government. But where the motto is being factored into the public debate as it relates to what is good for the society, there exists a misunderstanding of what the objective of a national motto is. The conversation that the motto is misplaced can be likened to the act of putting the cart before the horse. What the nation is witnessing is a focus on treating the motto as though it is a programme with an intent to question and dismantle it, rather than taking time to understand what is a motto, and using this understanding to advance reasons why the nation must develop and implement programmes that will be reflective of the common good.
Any time persons embark on a journey with the notion that the welfare of the people will be affected if they fail to embrace basic acceptable principles, their action can contribute to the serious miseducation of the society. The consequences of miseducation can lead to confusion and be a waste of time, as well as retard efforts at holistic development, giving cover for the maltreatment of citizens and injustices in the system.
Yours faithfully,
Lincoln Lewis
