THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE PRIME Minister's historic budget presentation left me feeling very empty and disappointed. The four hours were spent literally presenting her new vision for Jamaica, but this has been everyone's dream for all the years that she had been there as an integral part of the political process. All of Jamaica has had this vision at least since Independence.
She campaigned for change yet lauded the former Prime Minister who has caused such exponential regression in our development and brought the status of the poor to that of extreme poverty. Her presentation lacked the substance necessary to pave the paths to reality with some sound and tangible solutions to the country's plights. Instead, what I heard, in my view, were some well-written essays, concep-tualised by young, innocent and enthusiastic students who are far removed from the tough reality of an adult experience.
It seems to me from her presentation that the only hope and saving grace for this Government and the people of this country at this time is the National Insurance Fund and the National Housing Trust. Surely these cannot be the only option. These funds were created by an act of Parliament specifically for housing and pensions; and not for the Government to just pass a law to take and spend whenever.
I pray that the good Lord will help her with another plan because I believe it is immoral and an unconscionable act to proceed with her intentions.
I am, etc.,
CARLENE SINCLAIR
Sinclair@cwjamaica.com
