The Editor, Sir:

The bellicose and frivolous responses that have greeted the issue ofsalary package for parliamentarians should not be surprising given the fact that our concept of freedom of expression has allowed a talk-show gentleman to use his over four hours on radio each weekday to blame politicians for everything that has gone awry in the society. Particularly if they are Phds, and are associated with the governing political group.

One is not here suggesting that political representation is at the point where it can bring satisfaction to all concerned. The life of the ordinary folk would have been more miserable if it was not for the work of the holders of elected political office. In the middle of the night, they are the first to be contacted to deal with just about any difficulty a community encounters while other public servants who are handsomely compensated by our tax dollar enjoy their night's rest.

If we buy into the lie which says 'Politicians are overpaid', a mischief that is promulgated by persons who are desirous of seeing political power return to the former operators of the Great House. For our MPs to fully represent their constituents and deal with the many calls that are made on the pittance that they are paid, they should be given three times the amount that they are at present receiving. Failing to adequately remunerate our political servants will result in the likes of Maxine Henry-Wilson and Dr. Kenneth Baugh opting to stay in their chosen professions, where they would be rewarded immensely, their families would be richer and the parliamentary process would be void of quality representatives with only the persons who can do no other work but crave for political office and use it to engage in 'under the table' deals.

I am, etc.,

GARFIELD L. ANGUS

luthergus@yahoo.com

Kitson Town P.A.

St. Catherine