Sinclair wants greater respect for national symbols
Published:Monday | February 3, 2025 | 4:58 PMAlbert Ferguson/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Government Senator Charles Sinclair has expressed deep concern over the growing disrespect for Jamaica’s national symbols, emphasising that they represent the nation’s heritage and identity.
Delivering the main address at the Rotary Club of Savanna-la-Mar’s annual Community and Vocational Service Awards Banquet on Tuesday night, he stressed the importance of treating these symbols with the dignity and respect they deserve.
“I am disturbed when I see my Jamaican brothers and sisters fail to honour our national symbols,” said Sinclair, who is also a councillor in the St James Municipal Corporation.
Sinclair recalled how respect for these symbols was traditionally reinforced through civics education in schools. He lamented the removal of civics from the curriculum decades ago and called for its reintroduction as a core part of the national education system.
“Civics teaches our youngsters about their rights as citizens, promotes civic pride, supports democratic governance, encourages good citizenship, and develops responsible citizens,” he said as he hailed the Rotary Club for its ‘Service Above Self’ mantra.
He also noted the repeated neglect of the Jamaican flag, especially in schools and on government buildings, where it is sometimes left exposed to the elements for prolonged periods.
Additionally, he pointed out the troubling trend of Jamaicans not standing at attention during the playing or singing of the national anthem, a protocol that also includes removing hats and saluting for those in uniform.
Even at the official level, there have been major blunders involving national symbols. In 2012, there was a foul-up in the use of the national flag, where green – the colour of the Jamaica Labour Party – was left out of a backdrop depicting the flag at a swearing-in ceremony for new councillors.
Sinclair, who, as the outgoing mayor, robed his successor, Glendon Harris, at the event, denied a claim by the newly sworn mayor that the function was planned by Sinclair’s administration.