THE EDITOR, Sir:
I AM responding to a letter by Kirk Barrow titled "PM should break ranks with financial advisers", which appeared in The Gleaner May 15. Mr. Barrow stated that he is disheartened that the Prime Minister has bought into the idea that it is indeed good and proper for the Government to tap into the National Investment Fund and the National Housing Trust funds to finance the budget.
I am in support of Mr. Barrow's position and I believe that the PM's decision is misguided and it will, in the long run, have serious financial and economic consequences to trust funds. One could legitimately conclude that the current surpluses in these funds are probably due to good management over the years.
MAJOR POLITICAL BLUNDER
I believe too that raiding the National Investment and the National Housing Trust Funds to finance the budget is a major political blunder by the Prime Minister and Parliament should reject this proposal outright.
Portia Simpson Miller's potential to be successful will be determined largely by the people closest to her. If she has the right people, the government's effectiveness will grow exponentially.
LEAD BEYOND THE STATUS QUO
To be successful, Portia Simpson Miller will have to lead beyond the status quo and include advisers with a high degree of skill and com-petence, vision and integrity.
Individuals who can develop and help implement policies that span the social, economic, educational, cultural and political dimensions of Jamaica. If not, the euphoria that the country experienced a few months ago with her election to the office of Prime Minister will soon dissipate and Portia will commit suicidal leadership, undermining her effectiveness to govern.
I am, etc.,
HENRY J. FINDLAY
hyahen@aol.com
Tuskegee, Alabama
Via Go-Jamaica
