EDITOR: Many are under house arrest of their own volition. Some because of fear, stay at home because they fear the gunman if they venture outside. Others who dare to go out are looking over their shoulders to see who is stalking them. They deliberately avoid being seen in company of those of the opposing political view.

Some scan the surrounding bushes for prying ears. Some keep their fingers on their lips least they utter words that would cause them or their relatives to be victimized. Those hiding out in cyberspace invest in spyware inhibiting programmes.

Some avoid the spotlight at all costs, agreeing with all who complain to them, and afterwards dumping the complaints in the nearest refuse bin in order not to cause a stir. Yet others choose to remain in their bliss of ignorance by refusing to practice reading. They lack knowledge of current affairs and would not even buy any of the weekly newspapers. Too many have not picked up a book since they left school and consequently, their reading ability has regressed. The substantial number hiding out in their no or low reading level is not known. Even though they want to be in the know, they think they are powerless. Many qualified workers are paralyzed by fear, thinking that if they perform their duties, some powerful person will be offended. Those victimized by lack of meritocracy have lost their voice and dare not complain. More still are imprisoned by poor relief and handouts, lacking the courage to venture out to become productive, contributing members of society.

Imprisonment through the lack of reading practice cannot be simply by chance and some think that it is a policy decision. The results of the CPEA exams are usually used to separate students. Those with reading challenges are not put in small groups to get help but in large classes where the research says their problems will worsen. Additionally, they are prevented from learning any skill that they could use to make a living. Whether or not they drop out before graduation, they leave school without any skill and without passing any subject. Their house arrest is thus assured.

Information is also under house arrest, as the leader of the Education Revolution I am unable to access CPEA and CSEC results so that I can do my analyses. Certain pieces of information were also inaccessible to me when I conducted the research for my dissertation. Many others complain about the lack of information. Too many things apparently are “top secret.”

Truth too, seems to be under house arrest. The poverty survey which confirms our country’s state of abject poverty, was discarded because apparently some did not want to face it. The cost of the international airport still eludes us. More importantly, in this technological age we seem to be unable to provide adequate up-to-date audited financial report of the country’s finances. Why are these numbers being hidden from us?

There also seems to be a conspiracy to put democracy under house arrest with our inability to debate and dispose of a motion of no confidence in our parliament.

Opposition priority in debate is usually frustrated by long winded ministerial statements and obituaries. Additionally, opinion polls are done just before General Elections and people are apparently being transferred illegally from one constituency to another to change the outcome of the election. A published list of those last-minute transfers should confirm that these people do not live in the constituencies where they voted.

The whole country is put under house arrest when sick, tied, and old leaders refuse to retire. They have made their contributions and it is clear that younger, able-bodied leaders need to take over. The country is in the state that it is in because the rulers are incapacitated by old age and sickness. We should not have to pray for their demise for changes to occur. We would like to benefit from their wisdom in their retirement.

Because house arrest is a minimum-security venture, there is much that we can do to make it bearable. Some are inside for many years like the man at the pool of Bethesda, though not for thirty-eight years. They need someone to integrate them into the society. They may desire to go to church, the market, the store, to visit friends and relatives, the beach, the bank, post office, community meetings or simply to go for a walk in the neighbourhood. A volunteer job can be useful too.
Taking a class to learn something new will exercise the brain and forestall Alzheimer’s disease.

Actively participating in the maintenance of one of the local parks or beaches will give purpose and a reason for one under house arrest to be out on furlough. They can also take up the hobby of watching birds, whales, and even people.

Reading can transport people to far away lands and keep us in touch with current issues especially if the local newspapers are read. While some argue that much is available on the internet, touching the real words is more engaging and stimulating for the brain. Any useful activity to divert us from this house arrest is useful.

Anthony G. Stewart, PhD