THE EDITOR, Sir:LAST YEAR, when Edward Seaga announced that he would be resigning as leader of the Jamaica Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition, many of us were filled with bitterness as it was felt that he was pressured into taking this decision. But at least we looked forward to his continued participation in the nation's
political affairs.
Now, however, his announcement of total withdrawal from the political arena fills me with great sadness; it is indeed the end of an era a spectacular one.
He will be sorely missed. His was the voice of reason, of balance, of courage, of sanity amid confusion, of creativity and unwavering integrity and honesty.
No matter how grim the news, how dismal the prospects or how damaging the consequences for his own popularity or that of his government or party, he has always had the courage to 'level' with us.
In my view, Seaga is the most outstanding statesman/politician that Jamaica and the Caribbean have so far produced, and I hope an appropriate national tribute will be planned to honour this great Jamaican, and to express our gratitude and appreciation for his many years of hard work and his monumental contribution to the nation's development since Independence.
One wonders why, despite Mr. Seaga's well-meaning, sincere commitment and dedication to our nation he is so often misunderstood and so unpopular in some quarters.
I think I've found a possible explanation in an article written some two years ago by Delroy Chuck about Jamaican society and entitled 'The Success of Failure'. Mr. Chuck expressed the view that in Jamaica we routinely reward incompetence, mediocrity, dishonesty, lack of integrity and even failure.
Consequently, many positions of authority and influence are often occupied by persons of limited ability and competence and doubtful integrity. The result is that built into the Jamaican psyche is a distressing lack of respect for excellence, for honesty or integrity, or success that is achieved through hard work. (I am paraphrasing Mr. Chuck).
This is so true and in part explains Mr. Seaga's low popular appeal. Jamaicans are more comfortable with the 'Anancy' mentality and personality not with honest, hard-working 'Joe'.
Happily, all is not lost. We are fortunate that the university had the great wisdom to recruit Mr. Seaga's services and put his considerable talents to use. I wish him success and happiness in his new sphere of activities. Good luck, Mr. Seaga.
I am, etc.,
NORMA L. PERKINS
St. Ann
