THE EDITOR, Sir:

In recent times, your editorials have pushed the notion that Prime Minister (PM) Portia Simpson Miller is a great communicator and is the best suited to articulate and convey the strategic imperatives available to combat our difficult economic realities.

I suspect that The Gleaner is aware that no such competencies exist and is engaging in a bit of reverse psychology, in the hope that Mrs Simpson Miller might be persuaded to act prime ministerial. For if these skills set resided with the prime minister, as you posited, what is the rationale for the 'prime minister in absentia' approach that she has taken in leading the country?

Her indefensible position about a team approach, allowing portfolio ministers to do their jobs is absurd, as it seems to demonstrate the PM's lack of understanding in regards to her role. No one expects the PM to be familiar with the minutiae of ministries, but like any good CEO, she must be able to comprehend and communicate at a moment's notice on broad strategic, overarching cross-ministerial issues.

Perceptions that the PM is out of her depth are not unreasonable. No doubt she is liked, but this cannot compensate for her inadequacies in statecraft, governance and transformational leadership.

The Gleaner continues to do a disservice and fail in its watchdog duties by its desire to be politically correct and could be accused of journalistic cowardice.

The media and other spheres of influence in the society must launch a frontal, relentless and unsterilised campaign to pressure the political directorate (whatever colour) to formulate and implement appropriate policies to foster national development.

Otherwise, politicians will continue to treat public concerns about their stewardship as a nuisance to be barely tolerated, while getting a free pass to ruin the nation.

RAYMOND BAILEY

molat8733@yahoo.com