THE EDITOR, Sir:
I THINK that the notion put forward by UWI professors that more pay will ultimately lead to better output on the part of MP's is fundamentally flawed.
Jamaica has produced many great teachers of the past and present who were not compensated with anything near what they deserved in terms of remuneration, yet, such individuals were dedicated to their task and refused to bow to outside negative forces.
Jamaica has also produced several men and women of the clergy who are traditionally paid relatively small salaries, but who have performed with excellence in their chosen field. The majority of Jamaica's police force are good policemen dedicated to their task. Yet, they are in a field that traditionally does not pay well.
A BETTER CALIBRE
The argument that MP's being paid more will attract a better calibre of persons can also work in a negative way in that some may enter politics to 'drink milk' instead of dedicating themselves to the task at hand. I believe that any individual in any field of endeavour who lives by solid moral and ethical values will not bow to the outside pressures and temptations.
Money is a short-term material solution to addressing the fundamental flaws that have imbued the political landscape of Jamaica. What Jamaica is in dire need of are men and women dedicated to doing right for righteousness sake and not because of what he/she sees written on a pay slip.
I am, etc.,
PATRICK A. GALLIMORE
pagalley@hotmail.com
Kingston, Jamaica
Via Go-Jamaica
