THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE EXITING of The Honourable P.J. Patterson from office has, in some ways, induced a feeling similar to the one that pervades a family when one of its members must depart, either to go abroad or get married or start a home or go off to university.
There is no question that Mr. Patterson will stand out in the minds of many Jamaicans for many, many years to come. He has managed to do what no other, including one of, if not the most charismatic politician, Honourable Michael Manley, did not achieve, that is, to bring the People's National Party (PNP) to a third term of victory, despite all the challenges and criticisms. In addition, he has also been well recognised in local and international circles and is listened to and highly respected by those to whom it matters! He has augmented our efforts to come on stream with science and technology and must be placed on record for his formidable and excellent record in having Jamaicans talking with the rapid landslides of cellular and domestic phones.
I have been fortunate to interact with the Prime Minister in his then south eastern Westmoreland constituency on many occasions where I lived, and when I taught at the Maud McLeod Secondary School, a school that was built by Mr. Patterson and principalled by the current Minister of State in Education, Mr. Noel Monteith; the first of deep, rural Jamaica to have had such a class, secondary institution manned by a very qualified principal and staff at the time.
In all our engagements, and from my years of observing him in his constituency, especially in Darliston, he has been a leader of striking difference. Bearing in mind that this gentleman was leader and P.M., he was quite down-to-earth with his constituency and was reachable and approachable by all irrespective of background. Even the children would run to him, shouting "PJ, PJ", which he always paused to acknowledge. What humility!
I write from Toronto, Canada, to extol these virtues of the great one. In doing so, it is not to be perceived as if I, and many others, do not think that mistakes have been made.
CLEAR AND THOROUGH PATH
Mr. Patterson, you have served us well. You have carved out a clear and thorough path for those who will follow to lead. You entered politics in 1959, the year of my birth. During my childhood, and when you were young, gifted and black and later when I become an adult, and you more experienced, noble, black and patriotic, I lent you my support and now wish you well in your retiring years. I'm sure you will lend your experience and wisdom to our beloved Portia Simpson and to those after her, for decades!
All the best.
I am, etc.,
JOSHUA SPENCER
joshuaspencer@rogers.com
Toronto, Ontario
Canada
Via Go-Jamaica
