THE EDITOR, Sir:

MANY YOUNG Jamaicans are of the view that voting equals violence. Why do you think this is so? In my view, it has been the deliberate attempt of politicians to denigrate and debase our democratic process by seeking votes at any cost in communities where one pair of shoes equals one vote.

No doubt the introduction of garrison politics when our beloved country was only a babe, voting and declaring which party one supported would almost certainly cost one his or her life. So, it's no wonder that the 'war' stories parents tell their (now age-eligible to vote) children leave them fearing for their lives.

For me, my forefathers fought too long and too hard for me not to exercise my right to vote and be counted. This is what makes me a Jamaican. When any Government comes into power and introduces policies, taxes, systems, etc., I feel as if I can say whether I accept it or not and the way to make my voice heard is to vote!

I was lucky to have been born in the 1960s when Jamaica was still young enough for me to have felt the residue of being independent. I love this country and am proud to be Jamaican, and one of the ways for me to prove my love is by doing one of the most patriotic acts by any citizen of a country; and that is to vote!

I will say to the young people of Jamaica, stand up and be counted. This is the right you have been given when we raised that black, green and gold flag in 1962 to tell the world that we are now free.

I am, etc.,

JANICE McINTOSH

i2jazzy@yahoo.com