Commentary

Poor example

I found the following quote attributed to Merrick Watson, superintendent of police, St James, to be in poor taste and way out of line. Watson reportedly begged of Prime Minister Bruce Golding during a recent tour of Montego Bay. "Please sir, I am asking you for two vehicles for this station to assist in fighting crime. We really need that." (What else would you need two vehicles for, Super?).

This is taking 'cutting' - police jargon for begging - to new heights. If the superintendent thinks he should cut two vehicles from the PM, he should have done this out of public earshot. Not smart, I say.

- Authnel Reid, authnelreid@optonline.net

Unite around Waite

Today, I celebrate Basil Waite's victory as the next People's National Party (PNP) candidate for NE St Elizabeth. I celebrate not just for the fact that Basil is a dear friend, but for the fact that even as the commitment and enthusiasm of others has waned over time, Basil has remained committed to the ideals of the PNP, hopeful about the future of Jamaica, and steadfast in his love of service.

The campaign was not an easy one. Lots of negative vibes and scepticism. To the sceptics I say, the gavel has fallen and the good people of St Elizabeth have spoken. Let us now unite around Basil to ensure his success as MP, when that time comes, as it most definitely will.

I am enthusiastic about the future of our beloved St Elizabeth. With Dr Tufton on one side and Basil Waite on the other, never mind opposing parties, only the best is expected. And why not the best for the people of St Bess? Why not a PhD and a Harvard alum?

- Andrena Ramsamugh McMayo, Proud St Elizabethan

New approach

Recent events and the ongoing dismal state of the economy and governance lead me to believe that the lack of growth and consistent decline in the quality of life for most Jamaicans requires a new approach in the management of the affairs of the country.

The big questions have to be, what and who can make this happen? The current political situation has been with us since Independence and has not been able to cause a positive change in the circumstances of most Jamaicans, although things have definitely improved for some. I conclude, therefore, that to continue with the same set of characters and modus operandi will not cause a change in our situation.

This brings me to the recent selection of the potential representative for the NE St Elizabeth constituency, where the persons running were restricted from speaking to the press after an unfortunate recorded episode of disagreements between the participants and their supporters. If this is how the party seeks to deal with issues, by withdrawing them from public scrutiny, how can they expect me, a citizen, to have any faith in them if and when they become a government?

I would encourage the political parties to embrace transparency and be direct in their dealings with my country and its resources.

- Hugh M. Dunbar, hmdenergy@cwjamaica.com