THE EDITOR, Sir:
The elections are behind us and it's time to seek dialogue with and demand accountability from our MPs.Suppose, for instance, 1,000 mothers were to ask the Minister of Education for a meeting. I hardly think she would refuse 1,000 parents. They could have a frank discussion about what they, as parents, are prepared to do to improve the school system and find out from her and her team how we could give our teachers more relevant training and pay them more.
The Americans, Canadians and English offer them better pay and off some of them went, and folks, I suspect there will be another raid soon. The Americans still need lots more teachers.
In one country I know of, the elected officials have great respect, not to say, fear of the electorate. The people monitor them closely and constantly. Their lifestyles have to be modest, almost, frugal. They understand that they are servants of the people. Indeed, one of them remarked that you have to have a calling to serve in order to endure such close scrutiny. I say we Jamaicans must read, get accurate information and keep our elected representatives on their toes.
It is not only the opposition's shadow ministers who should be asking tough questions. John Public should inform himself and be asking some of those same questions. Are we attending Parish Council meetings to follow discussions about matters affecting us? Are we visiting Gordon House when the TV cameras aren't there to hear what's being debated?
We are in the information age. Here's a suggestion for the Jamaica Information Service. Whenever the PM or some senior government official visits another country on government business, use the opportunity to teach us. We can't all travel on the plane with him to where he's going but we would like to see, for example, a little map in the newspapers showing where in the world the country is situated, with something about the population, the history, economy and culture of the place. Put out something on radio and TV as well. Then on their return, we'd like to hear what has been achieved in those foreign lands, advantageous agreements, markets for our goods, etc.
Yes, the election excitement is over and we are now in a new dispensation. I'm feisty enough to think we can help the government to run this country. We need to throw the old self-doubt on the rubbish heap. We are bright, intelligent people and even when we don't have a lot of book learning we have plenty of common sense. Try us nuh!
I am, etc.,
PARTHE EDWARDS
7 Calcraft Avenue
Kingston 8
