Make offices for councillors, MPs non-partisan

THE EDITOR, Sir:

This is an open letter to Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

Every best wish as Jamaica celebrates 55 years of Independence. I express condolences to the nation regarding the passing of Member of Parliament Dr Winston Green. Additionally, the tragic loss of Maxine Simpson, a divisional secretary with the People's National Party, is another moment for national sadness.

I hope all will be done to honour all party workers of all persuasions who are indeed the backbone of the political system.

As a citizen of this country, I look forward to their close involvement with the Zones of Special Operations to effect change and well-needed social interventions for the marginalised and the poor and destitute in our population.

NEW PROVISIONS

The people of our nation are brave, but have fragile systems of support. There is little cohesion in families, friendships, religious institutions and business concerns. If there was ever a time that political leadership was needed, it is today, right now. The duly elected representatives must be given all the support to be the caretakers for our people.

On a related matter, I advocate for the establishment of a central office for all members of parliament who are the duly representatives of the people. This office should function independently of any political party.

There should be also be separate offices for councillors based on divisions in communities and thus the function would be independent of political allegiance.

These new provisions would put the financial responsibility of the organisation of the constituency in an impartial system. Party offices could, of course, continue to run focusing on internal private party matters and growth.

HELEN-ANN E. WILKINSON