The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

I am writing in reference to the headline implying that Mr Richard Lightbourn, MP is a racist.

I have known Mr Lightbourn for many years and in the past 2½ years, he’s been a participant in my Kemp Road Family: People Helping People Project. Not only does he attend on a weekly basis, but he provides a nutritionally substantial home-made soup for the participants each Monday night.

This is a tremendous gift because it allows many persons who have a marginalised background to start the week off with a nutritious meal.

Also, after each meeting, the participants make special requests of him which he attends to very faithfully.

In no time during my personal or programme involvement with Mr Lightbourn have I experienced any evidence of him demonstrating racism.

The most important point I want to make is that at this particular juncture in the development of our country, we must be careful how we use words to castigate the character of persons from either sides of the political or racial spectrum.

As a person who is intimately involved in the deep pain and sorrow that is shaking our country to the core, we must be extremely careful to approach each other, regardless of political, religious or racial affiliation, with love, understanding and good-will.

If we do not, the fragility which is extremely evident in our country – proven by my research and in-depth involvement in the psyche of our people – can produce devastating consequences.

At this time in our country’s history, we need all hands on board to show undying commitment, hard work and most of all hope in facing our serious challenges.

Leadership at its heart, means to absorb chaos, instil calm and inspire hope. So help us God!

DAVID F ALLEN,M.D., M.P.H.

Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric

Association

Nassau,

February 8, 2016.