Dear Editor,

I do not support the repeal of buggery laws. I recall our National Anthem: “Eternal Father bless our land/Guard us with Thy mighty hand… Be our light through countless hours…” Incidentally, the word of God , the Bible, provides a moral compass by which he “guards us with (His) mighty hand and provides “light” to our path. We recall the Israelites on the way to the Promised Land. It was His commandments which guided their path and was their “light” in countless hours. In fact, when they deviated from His laws it brought curses, destruction and death. In summary, blessing came when they obeyed and they experienced dire consequences when they disobeyed. If we want our eternal Father to “bless our land”, how then should we conduct our lives? What decisions should we make? The word of God clearly decries buggery as this is contrary to his plan and design for his creation.

It is typical for God’s decrees/laws/guidelines to be enshrined in a nation’s constitution. This is true of the American constitution from inception. There is actually a school of thought that attributes America’s initial rise to power and prosperity to its willingness to adhere to God’s laws, as demonstrated by their constitution. Concurrently, the same school of thought purports that their subsequent decline resulted from their deviation from His laws and precepts which inherently preserve a nation. After all, “God is not a man that he should lie”. “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).

We should not succumb to any perceived pressure to repeal buggery laws. We should not fear talk about loss of any international financial aid. We should not surrender morality for money. We need to use our intellect, creativity, and hone our talents and skills to build Jamaica as other countries in the Commonwealth and the wider world have done. We need to cut wasteful spending and devise creative strategies for our financial problems. We need to tap into the vibrancy, the energy and strength of our youth.

We must “work diligently and creatively” so that “Jamaica may under God increase in beauty … and prosperity … and play our role in advancing the welfare of the whole human race .” Our national pledge is not just a pledge, but a mandate and a vision statement, for our own advancement when implemented. We need to, in the words of Bob Marley, “emancipate ourselves from mental slavery” which makes us feel we must pander to the international community’s dictates or any other perceived pressure, even if it means overruling our own values and beliefs. We also need to learn to trust God.

I do not support the victimisation of homosexuals, any form of atrocity or abuse meted out to this segment of the population. After all, “Whoever is without sin let him cast the first stone” (John 8:7 ).

Michelle White

m.dwhite@yahoo.com