THE EDITOR, Sir:
I WOULD be grateful if you would publish this response to Dawn Ritch's article last Sunday:
Regrettably you have selected to count how many were standing in the street rather than to concentrate on the message that those of us who care were giving. The fact that this Government has had 16 years to get things right and has pushed us to become one of the most murderous countries in the world with little or no hope of job creation or standard of living that we think we deserve does not bother you.
All you can concentrate on is tearing down those who have served so well (Edward Seaga) and those who have put themselves up at great cost and sacrifice to continue to serve (Bruce Golding). That you think this an easy job and one in which everyone is leaping to get into is a fallacy. It is one of the most difficult jobs that I have ever done and my admiration goes out to all those who offer themselves for public service.
The Jamaica Labour Party has served this country honourably. It has done what it was supposed to do. It cleaned up crime, put investment back on the table and created 30,000 jobs a year. If we have had our differences internally, then that to my mind is normal.
For your information, there is no division in our party. We are united in our efforts, not only to carry the message for the people of Jamaica, even if it takes the form of a demonstration, but to form the next Government and to run this country the way that it should be run.
That, Ms. Ritch, is our goal. Please do not kill the messenger, listen to the message. And, for your information, the 40 who started the demonstration in Mandeville swelled to three times that many and it lasted until our leader told us to stand down.
I am, etc.,
SALLY PORTEOUS
Coordinator, Central Manchester
