The Editor, Sir:

When Portia Simpson Miller won against all the men rivalling her for the top job, I was elated. Finally a woman who would show them how we women can juggle things and keep the society sane. Recently though, my dear Prime Minister has been causing me to feel less than sane. In fact, right now I am becoming quite mad.

Last week we were told that the PM was not able to attend a meeting with the head of the European Union because of urgent family matters. Fair enough, that can happen to any of us. However, by the Sunday, a few days later, we heard from the Sunday Herald newspaper that it was 'urgent matters of state' which kept her away from the meeting. I do not believe that the PM's family matters, no matter how dire, except if she herself were ill, can qualify as 'urgent matters of state'.

Who are we to believe? Why can't the Prime Minister get the simple, no-brainer things right? As a woman, the pride I felt earlier this year is now crystallising into mad anger and despair. Why should Portia be allowed to become the measure by which women are judged? I'm excellent at juggling my diary, so why can't she, with so many aides and advisers, get a simple thing as managing her diary right?

In my opinion, this People's National Party administration is working very hard to even further divide Jamaica into the tribes of 'us and them'.

I am, etc.,

SHEREE PALMER

palmer917@yahoo.com

Dunrobin Avenue

Kingston 10