The Editor, Sir:

Our Prime Minister the Hon. Portia Simpson Miller has declared herself a child of God and has been reinforced by none other than a self- proclaimed prophet Dr. Phinn. This has endeared some while frightening others and according to Karl Marx religion is the 'opium of the people' or is it an 'avenue to the people?'

For me this is another of her master political strokes opium or not that may go down well on election day at least so it seems presently and also depending on the class eyes one is looking through.

If you can appeal to the lower and working class which constitutes more than 60 per cent you are a winner whether you are in commercial business, political business or the religious business. Based on this formula Sister P just needs to add social icing like more housing, education and social amenities. She will be moving several strides ahead of a limping Opposition.

Sister 'P' is politically savvy. Her religious fervour is making sense in the minds of many of those who matter. Talk shows, big speeches, forums, debates etc., are mainly middle and upper class phenomena. These politicians who think that you can win elections talking to the middle and upper classes many of whom talk but do not vote or whose votes are marginally significant would probably do better at the polls by visiting a church a week. Religion can be a good avenue to the people and not necessarily opium.

I am, etc.,

MICHAEL SPENCE

Micspen2@hotmail.com

P.O Box 630

Liguanea. Kgn 6.