THE EDITOR, Sir:
ON CONGRATULATING Ms. Portia Simpson for her well-deserved victory as the new president of the People's National Party and future Prime Minister of Jamaica, I must take issue with those who imply that her gender, or academic qualification will determine how she governs. If the factors of gender or qualifications were indicators of how well a country is going to be run, Jamaica, with our heavily male-dominated, academic scholars, would have been a heaven.
There are very few politicians in Jamaica who understand the dynamics of Jamaican politics and it's people like Portia who do. As a product of grass-roots politics, she knows first-hand the psyche of the Jamaican people. She knows their needs and expectations. That is why she is able to dominate a political hierarchy top-heavy with men.
JAMAICA NEEDS COURAGE AGAINST CRIME
Jamaica does not necessarily need a bunch of Ph.D.s who are suffering from paralysis by analysis. What Jamaica needs right now is someone with the courage to fight crime. Someone with the courage to relentlessly pursue the purveyors of crime and bring them to justice, regardless of their affiliations. What Jamaica needs is someone with the courage to reduce bank-lending rates and encourage Jamaican entrepreneurs to start investing in Jamaica. This will alleviate the unemployment problems. It is a fact that when people have money in their pockets they are less likely to think about crime and violence, but spend more time thinking about the niceties of life.
All Jamaicans should unite behind Mrs. Portia Simpson Miller and give her a chance to prove herself. If she fails, we know what to do. Mrs. Simpson Miller should also remember that Margaret Thatcher of Britain faced some of the same criticism a few years ago. The rest is history. Good luck, Portia.
I am, etc.,
ALVIN BUCHANAN
alvinb@htn.net
Avon Park, Florida
Via Go-Jamaica
