THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE RECENT contending of divergent views on the Haitian crisis and the decision by our Prime Minister to host the ousted President Aristide, in Jamaica, has forced me to reflect on our system of government and the need for change.
The decision of The Prime Minister on any given matter can have adverse effects on the whole nation. Whether we agree or disagree with his actions is immaterial. We all suffer the consequences of an unwise decision or reap the rich rewards of a prudent decision.
Although some people would have us believe that when we vote for a Member of Parliament we also vote for our Prime Minister, we all know that in effect the Prime Minister of Jamaica is chosen by members of a Political Party. Most Jamaicans have no say in this matter. The leader of the winning party in a general election automatically becomes Prime Minister.
From my interaction with people across Jamaica I can say that many people are angry with the Prime Minister's decision to host Mr. Aristide and his family in Jamaica for such an extended period. They fear that Jamaica is being drawn into a situation that we do not know enough about. Most persons would prefer us not to get directly involved. How much do we really know about what happened or is happening in Haiti? It is a matter of what we choose to believe when 'the facts' are presented.
One man has the opportunity to make decisions on our behalf; therefore all voters should have the opportunity to choose that person. Let us learn from the current Haitian crisis and give ourselves the chance to vote for the next Prime Minister of Jamaica.
I am, etc.,
WINNIE ANDERSON-BROWN
winab@cwjamaica.com
Bagatelle District
Ashley P.A.
Clarendon
