THE EDITOR, Sir:
I THINK Mr. Seaga's reaction to the election of the James Robertson as the new deputy leader for the JLP Area 2 leaves much to be desired.
Firstly his comments at the JLP conference directed at the Robertson camp were ill-advised, and did more to undermine his integrity as the party leader than to dissuade persons from voting for the wrong reason.
I strongly agree with Mr. Seaga's principled position that the use of money, and in particular, "dirty money" to influence voting is very dangerous especially in these times where money laundering, and other illegal sources of money have become supporting pillars in our economy.
Already, both major political parties are believed to be linked to unscrupulous sources or funding.
Seaga's reaction to James Robertson though is absolutely off the mark, I am sure that worse things than this have happened in the JLP without this kind of public outrage from the leader. It appears that this argument of principle by the Seaga is more aimed at discrediting Robertson than standing up for what is right. Mr. Seaga is no angel, and he too has his skeletons tightly locked away in the closet. If Mr. Seaga has evidence that Robertson received contributions from questionable sources in his campaign, it is the responsibility of Seaga as leader of the JLP to investigate these pieces of evidence, and try to uphold high standards in the party.
The entire country is demanding change and reform in our political system.
The country is demanding new energy, and new leadership. It will be to Mr. Seaga's own demise if he resists this call for change. The delegates of the JLP spoke on Saturday, and they spoke in favour of Robertson. Mr. Seaga's strength in the JLP has always been among the delegates. It is they who have kept him so firmly seated in the leadership of the JLP. He should remember this and realise that his now defiance of their decision to elect Robertson, will severely weaken his own position. In light of this Seaga should make amends now, embrace the new faces in the leadership of the JLP, and plan his own graceful exit.
I am, etc.,
LOYAL JAMAICAN
loyal_jamaican@hotmail.com
Kingston
Via Go-Jamaica
