The Editor, Sir:

The issue of dual citizenship has dominated our affairs for a while, yet I wish to make a few observations regarding this and other processes which have cost this country greatly.

There are several 'expert-analysts' who have voiced the opinion that anyone with dual citizenship should vacate Parliament in stringent observance of the law. Many of the parliamentarians acquired this citizenship not by choice but by circumstances, but decided to serve Jamaica. Now the relevant question: is it in the spirit of what the law is intended to be, to punish individuals for deciding to serve, rather than explore the popular and perhaps more convenient option which many have, that of serving overseas? Given the opportunity, many of those who criticise alleged holders of dual citizenship who have chosen to serve would jump at the opportunity of making a life elsewhere if even a sniff of an opportunity were presented to them. Such is the hypocrisy of the situation.

The ultimate travesty of justice

I have several friends and associates from all walks of life in Jamaica who crave the opportunity to get away from this country, who would jump at an opportunity to make a life elsewhere. Herein exists the irony. Individuals like my cousin, MP for South Central St Catherine, Sharon Hay-Webster, who made the sacrifice and decided to remain in service of her country, unlike many Jamaicans, even family members, are being brought into question in the name of preserving 'good' law. This I believe is the ultimate travesty of justice.

Lawmakers and 'learned' analysts who insist on piously criticising Sharon and other MPs who it has been alleged have dual citizenship should take a second and consider the dual travesty in this process which they appear to be baying for. Dual travesty indeed, as not only are individuals who insist on serving their country maligned, but the hard-earned dollar of the suffering taxpayers of this country is put to an obscenely unnecessary use via by-elections.

OBSCENE IRONIES

It was the former prime minister, Percival Patterson, an attorney-at law himself, who voiced the opinion that the "law is not a shackle". One wonders if he would agree that such a philosophy should apply in these cases of alleged duality. Unfortunately, Jamaica has been the scene of many such obscene ironies. Consider that my uncle Calvin Fitz-Henley, who gave over 30 years of service to education in this country, was brutally murdered while attempting to visit the former site of his business school. Jamaica should stop the crucifixion and alienation of its own in the name of politics, power or perverse pleasure.

I am, etc.,

ABKA FITZ-HENLEY

abkafitzhenley@yahoo.com

Kingston 6