THE EDITOR, Sir:IN ACCEPTING the mantle of Leader of the Opposition and after being out of the House of Representatives since 1997, Bruce Golding indicated that justice for the Jamaican people will take precedence over popular sentiment in the Jamaica Labour Party he leads.
As an aspect of protecting and strengthening democracy in the national interest now that party can put the frequent imbroglios behind and get on with the job of opposition.
It is a fitting tribute for all the shareholders to welcome Mr. Bruce Golding on his debut contribution as Opposition Leader to the debate in Parliament full of commendations for the government in many areas.
His comparing the country to a company having an annual general meeting (AGM) was quite clever in attempting to connect with the masses ('shareholders').
CONCILIATORY IN PART
His presentation for the most part did not sound like 'bangarang' but was conciliatory in some instances such as when he indicated a willingness to work with the chief executive officer (the Prime Minister) and the chief operating officer (the Minister of Finance) in correcting certain aspects of governance to guarantee accountability by creating enforceable and sanctionable restraints on debt while highlighting the differences in dividends to preferential and ordinary shareholders with bounced cheques.
He emphasised the necessity to allow poor people to get education by abolishing cost-sharing at high school and hospital health care as company policy stipulates.
The case of the policeman and an old woman not being able to get care because they had no money and other poor people getting life threatening bills resonates.
He balanced his presentation by the laying out of an agenda for encouraging small business by bringing in all stakeholders to "unleash the indigenous entrepreneurial spirit of the Jamaican people".
ANTICIPATE NEW AND DIFFERENT
It is for us to see from here on how successfully renewed he is while indicating that he does not intend to be Leader of the Opposition for long.
We anticipate seeing what new and different he brings to the future of Jamaican economics, politics, education, health care, crime prevention and reduction.
The tone of cooperation for the national good that was exhibited throughout the presentation is laudable and augurs well for the future.
I say run with it, Mr. Golding, but always engage the brain and have consultations before you engage the mouth .
I am, etc.,
MICHAEL SPENCE
Micspen2@hotmail.com
P.O.Box 630, Liguanea P.O, Kingston 6
