Where is our national pride?

THE EDITOR: What manner of people are we? Patiently I have awaited to see our people’s reaction in response to the barbaric manner to which three of our female citizens were subjected to at the hands of the United States Immigration officials at JFK International Airport recently. Chained to chairs for forty-eight hours and beds as common criminals for a non-criminal offence is reprehensible and this by a nation that is forever presenting itself as the leader of the civilised world.

Other than for an editorial in the Newsday published shortly after this despicable incident not a word, not even a murmur has come forth, neither any unjustifiable protest from either government or outraged citizens. I would have thought that there would be some sort of grand street march or protest, a massive demonstration that would have awakened Uncle Sam to the fact that we are not his doormat. When our citizens can be treated so unjustly and humiliated without provoking national anger, similar incidents are likely to reoccur. Have we as a people no national pride, no sense of integrity, afraid to assert our independence?

In our mad rush to secure a few pieces of Yankee silver here and there are we prepared to sacrifice these sterling values? Is it not time that we learn to stay out of their country? It is not as beautiful as they make it out to be. The statement issued by the United States Embassy in Port-of-Spain in a vain attempt to justify their actions offering as they did an explanation without an apology is totally unacceptable.


D HERMY
Woodbrook

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"Where is our national pride?"

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