Jamaica has the potential for greatness
published: Tuesday | January 13, 2004

THE EDITOR, Sir:

LET ME congratulate Mr Kingsley Thomas in having the guts to criticise the government's slow pace in addressing the nation's economic problems, and the slow pace with which public sector managers act. Mr Thomas is not the first to say so, as a similar statement had been made by Minister Paulwell some time ago but this is the first by a prominent public servant and it was so well publicised.

The fact is that, among the important things that affect the level of employment, investment and ultimately the prosperity, development and future of Jamaica is a competent, honest, informed, incorruptible, patriotic and selfless civil service with guts to say no or yes in the national interest without fear or favour. The days when the civil servant saw him or herself not as an effective facilitator but as an institutionalised humbug must come to an end.

Mr Thomas has demonstrated that he has the potential to provide strong courageous leadership which should be supported by all Jamaicans in the national interest. Just like people, a country can only have so much potential. Every well-thinking Jamai-can knows that Jamaica has the potential for greatness ... so let us make it happen before it is too late.

I am, etc.,

JODIAN SPENCE

k_spence@hotmail.com

Toronto, Ontario

Canada

Via Go-Jamaica