The Editor, Sir:

While I fully support the call by any organisation to protest against or demonstrate our dissatisfaction with the state of affairs of our country or the decline in living standards, we must be careful or very selective of the methods that we employ. As a people, and it is not easy admitting this, we believe that the more disruptive we are, the better our point is enunciated.

I can still vividly recall one of the gas demonstrations in the mid-'80s - advertised as a peaceful protest. I was forced to walk from Liguanea to Portmore clad in four-inch high-heeled court shoes in the midday sun; jumping through fires in Half-Way Tree, Three Miles, Marcus Garvey Drive in the vicinity of the train line and the causeway. Because of the agony I went through, I get very apprehensive when there is mention of 'street protest'.

I really think that as a people, we have been too docile as it relates to standing up for our rights, and because of this, successive governments have got away with too much. We need to change our stance. However, we need not wait on the politicians' call to register dissatisfaction about the erosion of our living standards or, for that reason, any thing pertinent to our well-being. As consumers, we need to be able to band together, perhaps through a consumer-affairs organisation, and speak as one voice.

Already under pressure

Yes, we are already reeling under the pressure and our incomes have not kept pace with inflation. But while we need to register loudly that we cannot take the suffering anymore, we must discipline ourselves or stay away from street protests, especially those organised by the politicians. Because, while their intention may be good, there are usually elements working underground to ensure that that the anticipated objectives are not achieved.

I am, etc.,

PAT BIGNALL

wilbig@cwjamaica.com