Letters

• Arrest them

Until Jamaica is willing to arrest and convict senior politicians of BOTH sides of the political divide and senior police officers for involvement in corruption and criminality, including connections with gunmen and with drug traffickers, we will continue to have the problems we have been having.

No amount of talking, policymaking, the drafting of new laws, appointment of new personnel and new investigative bodies will seriously and systemically change the country. The country must have the will and the fortitude to do what must be done to rid itself of those implicated at the highest level with crime, corruption and violence.

We, the people, are partly to be blamed as we favour one side or another instead of letting principle, laws and ethics govern our judgement and behaviour. In a very real sense, then, we get the leaders we deserve.

- Rev Courtney Richardsrichardscd@cwjamaica.com

• Let's move on

Ignorant me has just begun following the news on the Manatt affair. I wonder why the country has to spend so much time and energies on this issue when Jamaica should move on. Why Jamaicans have to continue the fight with their fellow Jamaicans when there are better things to focus on?

Jamaica, as a nation, is too small to have too many parties and partitions. It is time to be more positive and productive. People need peace, prosperity and productivity. Too much politics can be counterproductive.

- Lewis Leung lewis_leung67@yahoo.com

• Vetting PNP candidates

Since its inception in 1938 until 1989, the People's National Party (PNP) stood tall promoting citizens volunteerism, standing for integrity, and firm believer in the advancement of its citizens via education. (I call it the VIE Project).

Since the furniture scandal in 1989-90, the party has been weighed in the balance and found wanting. The announcement of an integrity commission to vet prospective candidates is a good start, if the criteria are transparent.

I am asking the PNP to ensure that the following be part of the selection process: Candidates selected must demonstrate not only the requisite academic skills, but prove, by their accomplishments in their field of choice and experiences, how their representation will be beneficial to Jamaica over benefit to self.

Political representation should be about people with exceptional accomplishments in their 'other life' (profession) and are willing to give back to the country and community. For too long people with neither experience nor accomplishments enter government on empty pockets and leave wealthy. Instead of giving back, they take away, leaving the country much poorer while they get richer.

Let us return to the days when political representation was seen as a noble cause, not a casino.

- Verol Thompsonverol.thompson@sonic-planet.com