THE EDITOR, Sir:
We do not ask that Mr. Patterson contain his exuberance, as displayed on the night he announced the election date, merely that he would demonstrate it in a more appropriate manner. The way in which the date of the election was announced served to trivialise the whole procedure.
It reminded me of my high school years, on sports day, when opposite teams would compete, uttering slogans. It would behove the current administration to remember that general elections are the procedure that will allow Jamaicans to choose representatives who will hold positions of authority in the country. It is not a mere competition, and should not be in any way treated as such.
We don't want leaders who are just ready for elections, we want leaders who are ready to tackle our woes and foster, through astute guidance, economic growth.
The only time we hear about any "solid achievements" is when elections are coming. Jamaica is plain dirty and unattractive (excepting, of course, the tourist areas which are not intended for the natives anyhow). What will be done for the environment AFTER elections?
People, please realise that when the politicians retire and most likely migrate, you and your children are the ones who will be left to struggle. The politicians' children will most likely migrate too. Keep this in mind.
Something that is very wrong with Jamaican politics is that voters are inflexible. People should be ready and willing to drop a party without a second thought if they are not delivering what is necessary for the growth of the country.
We are, etc.
RAYNARD MORGAN
KARICE RHULE
rkarice@hotmail.com
Colgate University,
Florida International
University respectively
Hamilton, New York;
Ft. Lauderdale Florida
Via Go-Jamaica
