THE EDITOR, Sir:

I voted for the first time in 2007, and it was for the Jamaica Labour Party and, by extension, Bruce Golding.

After 18 years of mismanagement and bad governance, social mayhem and *lo**letting, I thought him to be a man of reason, one to lead us out of the ignorance and hatred in which we wallow daily. I wished him well, and was excited about the efforts being made by the new administration.

But I was shocked out of my wits when I saw Golding's presentation on BBC. His utterance about not wanting gays in his Cabinet is nothing short of the betrayal of homosexuals in Jamaica who have made a tremendous contribution to the community and national development.

It is a very hard slap in our faces, and there are many of us. We are involved in every aspect of life in this country, and he's now telling us we are not fit to be in his Cabinet!

He is now the new and annoying face of homophobia in a land where people are beaten daily because of their sexual preference.

Barefaced prejudice

By his own bravado, Golding told the world that he's a bigot and that a man's sexuality supersedes every other character trait, good or bad, and as such, even if he is the best, he cannot become a member of the Government because he's gay. What a travesty, and barefaced prejudice!

This is a very backward and sad attitude by a man whom the Jamaican people voted in to lead us. Golding's utterance has given arms to haters to beat, badger and discriminate against gays.

This is the prime minister of Jamaica expressing, in no uncertain manner, that he's prejudiced. He was not prepared to commit political suicide by telling the world that people's sexuality was not his business.

The next time a gay man is discriminated against, beaten and killed in Jamaica, Golding should hang his head with guilt and shame because his faux pas has given licence to such behaviour.

Then again, how does he know that there are no gays in his Cabinet? And, if there are, their sexuality is not his damn business. Leaving people and their sexuality alone, getting on with the business of governance, stopping the *lo**letting in the country, and ridding himself of his deep-seated malice for the betterment of all are what he should do.

I am very disappointed and angry, and it only gives me the courage as a gay man to keep fighting for our rights.

I am certain, very certain, that one day, with or without Golding, we are going to walk this land, once awash with the *lo** of slaves, and now flowing with the *lo** of gays - free at last.

I am, etc.,

MY OPINYON

myopinyon@gmail.com

Kingston 6

THE EDITOR, Sir:

It is with deep sorrow and heartache that I write these words. As a Jamaican living in New York, I am constantly b****arded with questions pertaining to Jamaica's perceived anti-gay mentality.

I am a lesbian who travels to Jamaica frequently and I, personally, have never experienced anti-anything. However, several of my gay friends have.

I don't understand the threat to society which many Jamaicans seem to believe we possess. From time immemorial, Jamaica has been inhabited by gays and lesbians, several quite successful, and the vast majority are just like everyone else - ordinary folks trying to maintain and go about the business of life.

Why should who they choose to love interfere with their ability to live a peaceful and productively happy life?

Unattractive picture

The picture we are painting for the world is not attractive! If we, as a people, cannot adhere to our own motto, why should any tourist want to spend one dime in Jamaica? Why shouldn't the world view us as barbarians? Why should I jump to defend my country when truly it seeks to disown me?

The current dancehall culture is vibrant and is opening up all new avenues of global consciousness. Many people idolise and emulate the walk and talk of dancehall. When I view 'Passa Passa' videos, all I see are young males with bleached-out faces, lots of make-up, coiffed hairdos and the tightest pants.

Yet no one hara**es them for the appearance of homosexuality. But if my gay friend walks down the street in the same attire, he runs the risk of bodily harm. It is time to stop.

Wake up, Jamaica, and claim your rightful place on the world stage.

I am, etc.,

DISTRESSED JA GAL