THE EDITOR, Sir:
MOST JAMAICANS like myself have silently observed with concern, the political consequences of one party remaining in power for 'too long.'
We are quite familiar with two terms, and in fact it appeared at one stage that we were so caught up in this syndrome that our march to the polls was simply a subconscious acquiescence to the tune of the two-term piper. We are now racing ahead full speed towards a cliff long after the piper has stopped playing; or has he?
Let us not forget our Caribbean neighbours Trinidad and Guyana, which both experienced almost 30 years with one party forming the Government. The result in both cases had exceptional beginnings with an outpouring of patriotic fervour, but ended with their population feeling tired and unable to penetrate the screen of arrogance and inaction that had now become the unmistakable sentinel in the path of needed growth. Guyana, however, unlike its oil-rich neighbour was not able to weather the storm, and is now a case study of how bad things can get.
Jamaica is not endowed with the oil wealth of Trinidad and so, like Guyana, we can ill afford to experiment with third or fourth terms. The only checks and balances we have is the 'veto' power of the people. If politicians are given significant power for too long, then we should not be surprised if over time they decide not to give it back.
I think our experiment with one party remaining in power for more than two terms has gone on long enough. Let us exercise our veto power. We must allow new ideas to shape the way forward so its time to wake up, and get back on track.
I am etc.,
JOHN KARR
Mkarr30@hotmail.com
Trinidad
Via Go-Jamaica
