THE EDITOR, Sir:I HAVE BEEN listening to the debates and note with interest the accolades given to Local Goverrnment Minister Portia Simpson Miller.
She has also been rated in the polls as a prospective Prime Minister.
As a woman, I am pleased with her progress and do not wish to take away anything from her; but before we get carried away, I think there are some serious questions that need to be answered.
Does Portia have the ability to become an effective and outstanding Prime Minister?
Our political system needs fundamental change. Can Portia make that change in order to move this country forward? What are her principles?
As a Minister of Government and Member of Parliament for so many years, does she not take part in the policy decision process?
If she has the aptitude to make a difference, why sit idly by and allow so many criticisms of the Government? Would she not share her ideas and thoughts with her colleagues in order to enhance the performance of the Government? Is she waiting on the populace to give her the opportunity to prove that "she is the greatest"?
Does she have the technical ability to boost investor confidence in order to turn around the economy and improve our standard of living? If so, why not start with her constituency?
Portia's rating is due to her remarkable personality that has earned her the love of a wide cross-section of the society; but to be an effective leader/prime minister, it will take much more than a pleasing personality.
If I am hungry and half naked will it help if I am showered with hugs and kisses?
We need to awake from our slumber and stop 'short-changing' ourselves. This country needs new blood, forward thinkers, young and bright minds with impregnable ideas. We deserve nothing less.
I am, etc,
VLC
Barbican
vcluin@hotmail.com
