Janet Silvera Freelance Writer
Pearnel Charles
WESTERN BUREAU:
"THOSE WHO think I am a thing of the past, will come to recognise my relevance in the future," said Pearnel Charles, trade unionist and talk show host, at the launch of his new book 'A Cry From The Grassroots'.
He has also penned 'Politics of Power' and 'Detained'.
Several Montegonians turned out for the launch at the St. James Parish Library, Montego Bay.
According to noted physician, Dr. Herbert Eldemire, Mr. Charles' new book is the politician's "effort to avoid and deflect the slugs of political error. The work is of a man's experience, with that you cannot argue. It is born within the framework of Charles' background of religious training and upbringing, coupled with his spirituality."
In his reply to a number of speeches made, Mr. Charles made reference to his opposers when he reminisced on the last words of his father uttered on his deathbed: "Help mi!".
"This is a message to people who think I can die politically. My mission to fight for the down-trodden cannot be stopped by man... Some people believe if you don't possess blind loyalty... you are rude and out of order."
He was direct about those who were obsessed with blind loyalty, "...we must be willing to surrender a part; we must give up serving self and start serving nation. We will not get anywhere in undermining each other."
Mr. Charles, who has expressed his desire to lead the Jamaica Labour Party when its present leader, Edward Seaga, demits office, said: "In the past I have expressed very clearly that I am qualified, have the experience and the ability and if a vacancy arises at the right time, I would make myself available to those responsible for selecting a leader."
Although Mr. Charles was detained during a State of Emergency instituted by the Michael Manley-led People's National Party, the author said he bore no ill-feeling for Manley. He said they became telephone friends during the late Prime Minister's last days.
Mr. Charles presented copies of the new book to principals of educational institutions in the community for their libraries.
Cecile Walden of Sam Sharpe Teachers College; Hugh Dawes, Montego Bay Comprehensive High and Dave Soares of Cornwall College were on hand to receive the copies.
