THE EDITOR, Sir:
I SAID at the time of Bruce Golding leaving the JLP that if his action caused him to be cast into the political wilderness, and even 20 per cent of his ideas were embraced by the PNP and the JLP, he would have done Jamaica a great, unselfish service.
We have seen certain changes in our politics since he left the JLP, such as:
(a) A tone-down in the tribal politics because of the possibility of voiding election results because of violence and corruption during polling.
(b) The establishment of the Political Ombudsman and Political Code of Conduct and the positive effect it has had on the campaign so far.
(c) The advance of the separation of powers issue on the frontburner of political debate.
The amount of credit 'The Bruce Golding effect' should be given for these and other recent positive changes in our politics is debatable; however the great financial and political loss that he had suffered because of his care for Jamaica and standing up for what he believed in is not debatable.
For those who are calling Mr. Golding traitor and other derogatory names, I would like to remind them of Madame Rose Leon and Dr. Mavis Gilmour who switched allegiance and returned to their original party and made sterling contributions in government and to the country.
Mr. Editor, I think instead of the commentators and analysts focusing mostly on whether its a moral victory for Mr. Golding over Mr. Seaga or Mr. Golding has lit his candle, or whether it will improve the JLP chances in the upcoming election, they should highlight the positive effect that Mr. Golding's return to mainstream politics will have, and welcome him back.
I am, etc.,
AINSWORTH DICK
Kingston 5
