THE SWEARING in of Portia Simpson Miller as Prime Minister of Jamaica marks a new chapter in the modern political history of Jamaica. Her rise to the highest elected political office in the land is the climax of a long career. We offer her our heartiest congratulations and best wishes for a successful administration.
The Jamaican people have great expectations of our new Prime Minister. A desire for social improvement is deeply felt across all strata of society. Many of these demands are completely reasonable, but will be difficult to satisfy in the near term.
Likewise with the terrible scourge of crime. Progress will take time, but it is vital that all the anti-crime measures - the passage of the Proceeds from Crime Act, Operation Kingfish, the recruitment of overseas officers, the Community Policing Initiative - be not only sustained, but vigorously reinforced.
Very serious issues of corruption, waste and incompetence - of which the cement crisis is just the latest example - have dogged the administration of the People's National Party (PNP). From Netserv to the Housing Trust car park imbroglio, one issue after another has shocked the country. We trust that Prime Minister Simpson Miller will address these issues speedily and decisively. Whom she appoints to Cabinet positions and the method of appointment and personnel of boards will give a clear indication of whether we are turning over a new leaf in this critical area.
All of Jamaica is also looking to our new Prime Minister to ensure macroeconomic stability. It is imperative that we do not relax the efforts to reduce our budget deficit and debt burden and thereby to lower interest rates. Any attempt to return to the command economy methods of the past by the back door will surely undermine investor confidence and the prospects for growth.
Indications are that Prime Minister Simpson Miller intends to go to the electorate at an early date to seek her own mandate. While this is understandable, we urge caution in this area on both Government and Opposition. The country cannot afford an extended period of political campaigning. There is too much work to be done. In this heated political atmosphere, the sober, steady leadership which the country deserves can easily go by the wayside. Prime Minister Simpson Miller will need every political skill at her command to deal with this situation in a responsible manner. All Jamaicans should give her every support and encouragement in this difficult task. This is imperative if this country is to move forward and prosper.
THE OPINIONS ON THIS PAGE, EXCEPT FOR THE ABOVE, DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE GLEANER.
