THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE FIRESTORM of criticism towards Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller after her recent religious pronouncements is slightly misplaced. Mrs. Simpson Miller is not some ayatollah seeking to turn Jamaica into a fundamentalist religious state. But she is a politician - one who is using Christianity as a marketing tool to whip the masses into frenzy to consolidate her widespread appeal.
The majority of the electorate consists of the poor and the churched, two groups which are, for the most part, easily moved by emotionalism, hence Portia's ability to elicit as many whoops and Pentecostal prancing at a Sunday service as she does at the constituency level. Church folk have nibbled the bait - in fact, they have gulped down the fishing rod as well.
Her intention to place clergy or laity on the national boards is symbolically admirable, but any suggestion that doing so will automatically translate to probity is a three-card trick at best. It is well-known in ecclesiastic circles that many church boards, across all denominations, provide little transparency regarding the disbursement of funds. Most laity are in the dark about the checks and balances! What Pastor says goes.
JUSTIFIED CONVICTIONS
And to those quick-tempered Portiaphiles who bark at anyone who DARES question the Prime Minister's most expedient 'conversion' only months before the February 25 presidential election, pooh, pooh! Christian convictions are justified by conduct, not speeches. Only time will tell whether Portia is as sincere as St. Paul or as deceptive as Ninja Man, er, Brother Desmond. Unfortunately, we have a culture of applauding plans and proposals instead of progress and performance.
But I do believe Portia is appointed by God. Lord knows we need a laugh, and her gaffes and arrogance continue in the fine tradition of mis-speak by Manley, Seaga and Patterson. God does have a sense of humour!
I am, etc.,
A.A. WRIGHT
Kingston
