THE EDITOR, Sir:

Errol W.A. Townsend's challenge to my letter, published under the title 'Come Clean on the Economy' on Thursday, January 17 seems overly concerned with details that do not change the substantive value of the message.

His erstwhile defence of the prime minister's 2011 remarks, while on the campaign hustings, seems more like hair-splitting than addressing my core point.

Now that a year has passed, the Government is better positioned to give a more accurate read of Jamaica's economic temperature. This is crucial during this time of great anxiety.

Confidence is key. Clear and effective communication is absolutely crucial to this process, especially given the jitters being experienced economically. A searing look at the state of affairs can only serve to benefit Government at this time.

Indeed, credit-rating agency Fitch has lowered Jamaica's outlook to 'negative'. Others will, no doubt, follow.

More information is needed and across a range of platforms regarding Government's policies, plans and objectives. This is not only desired, it is critical, and would do a world of good in combating/arresting the effects of negative chatter on this process.

Still, if an apology helps assuage Mr Townsend's apparent anxieties over the 'misreported' two-week remark then, surely, I am unreserved in my regrets to him.

Those who may have, unwittingly, taken offence at this egregious oversight so earnestly highlighted by his eminent record keeping should, however, be minded of the need for seriousness at this time.

AGOSTINHO PINNOCK

St Andrew