Excerpt from the Jamaica Observer column published on Monday, March 07, 2022
By Jean Lowrie-Chin
As I write this, Ukraine is experiencing its 10th day of the Russian invasion, and President Volodymyr Zelensky has not left the city of Kyiv, despite offers of extraction from the US. His response: “I need ammunition, not a ride,” will go down in history. Via online platforms, he has addressed crowds of anti-war demonstrators throughout Europe, as well as US senators last Friday. His eyes are those of a sleep-deprived man, but his words remain strong and inspiring.
“Do prove that you will not let us go. Do prove that you indeed are Europeans, and then life will win over death, and light will win over darkness,” he said as he addressed the European Parliament.
The crowds of people in Russia who have been protesting the war are among the world’s bravest.
Emma Lewis shared a Washington Post report on 80-year-old Liudmila Nikolaevna Vasilyeva, who joined a group of young protestors in Petersburg and was arrested. She told the reporter, “We had a delightful crew in the paddy wagon,” and encouraged the group to shout anti-war slogans.
What a lesson for the world and for us here in Jamaica. Too long have we tolerated the invasion of gangs in our peaceful communities. Thank goodness for the increasing efforts of our security forces and our judiciary in bringing these gang leaders and members to justice.
Awakened by the dignity of the Ukrainians, we Jamaicans should keep monitoring all those who put themselves up as leaders, whether in community or country.
I am looking forward to the presentation by Jeanette Calder of the Jamaica Accountability Meter Portal (JAMP) to the Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP) members and friends this Wednesday.
Now that we see how precious our democracy is, let us take personal responsibility to protect it.
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