THE EDITOR, Sir:
MY CONCERN is not about Prime MInister Patterson's race or colour, although because he is black, he should have a greater concern for the progress of the 'black' country he leads.
In the first place, we see the prime ministers of smaller countries like Barbados and Trinidad defining lofty objectives for their countries of achieving first world economic status in 25 to 30 years' time (and they are doing precisely this). In contrast, poor Mr. Patterson said he wants to be remembered for distributing the most government land - a purpose of mere redistribution and not production or creation of wealth.
Secondly, he exalts loyalty over performance. When you emphasise performance, you will make some mistakes, hopefully a few; but these will be easily explained and hopefully corrected. But sheer loyalty can only mean lack of transparency, and complicity in corruption because it is the nature of too many politicians to be dishonest and corrupt.
It is no wonder that Mr. Patterson's sympathisers are so hard put to find positive things to credit him. The Patterson Government has devoted its energy to party matters, borrowing money and wasting it, escalating taxes, and fooling the people that "we are on the right track", but where is the enhanced economic productivity and increased employment opportunities which Jamaica critically needs?
Perhaps the kindest thing that can be said of Mr. Patterson is that because he is black, too much was expected of him, but in any case he delivered so little.
I am, etc.,
MARIA ANNE PETERSON
Pembroke Pines
Fla, U.S.A.
