The Editor, Sir:

I enjoyed the political debate on Saturday very much. However, I was very disappointed with the evaluations by the panel interviewed by Michael Sharpe on TVJ. No member of that panel represented the average working class Jamaican. There was a lawyer, an educator, a preacher and a political candidate. Where was the carpenter, domestic helper, area leader or DJ?

The Leader of the Opposition was given high ratings by every panellist, based on limited academic debating and oratory criteria. Panellists hardly ever reflected an understanding of oratory styles effective in our Jamaican context.

For example, the attorney-at-law judged the Leader of the Opposition as probably having won over Jamaican voters because he was "lucid and confident". Are these oratory features that win over the average working-class Jamaican?

He further outlined that in successful debating, there should be no repetition. This is probably true.

However, again he reveals his disconnect from popular and traditional Jamaican culture.

Repetition is a feature of most popular and traditional Jamaican songs, plays and speeches because it is an effective communication tool.

Trying to compare the oratory styles of our two political candidates is like comparing an African drum ensemble and classical orchestra - impossible.

Especially for persons who do not equally appreciate and know or have the courage to articulate the strengths of each genre.

I am, etc.,

NOMALI LUMSDEN

Via Go-Jamaica

nomali_2000@yahoo.com