The Editor, Sir:
I detected a certain amount of animosity and at the same time a certain amount of admiration towards Mr. Bruce Golding, the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Opposition Leader, in your editorial of August 17, entitled 'JLP shifts stance on ties with Venezuela'.
And I quote: "However much they may attempt to spin it, Bruce Golding, the Opposition Leader, has retreated from his previous position on Jamaica's burgeoning economic relationship with Venezuela. That is decent and mature."
It is a known fact that Mr. Bruce Golding and JLP does not believe that Venezuela, under President Hugo Chavez, is worthy of the seat on the United Nations Security Council, for which it is vying with Guatemala. It is important that Mr. Golding and the JLP put Jamaica's interest first so if that means to back down or change his mind when Jamaica's interest is at stake amen so let it be.
Mr. Bruce Golding is a visionary-leader. He has a nose for opportunity, and instincts for what will and will not work. He understands politics and the dynamics of power, and knows the value of partnerships and coalitions. He is tenacious, driven, charming and bullish, fiercely competitive and at the same time genuinely conciliatory. Risk-taking is his life; his forte is forging into uncharted territory and surviving. These are essential attributes of successful bold and dynamic leader with a great vision for Jamaica and I admire him for that.
I think the problem is one of expectations. People expect their politicians to be perfect and never to contradict themselves or change their mind. If they do, the opposition or media tear into them. Thank goodness your editorials don't inflict such standards in everyday life. If we just took a more realistic view of these poor individuals, most of whom are trying to do the best they can and realise that sometimes they will cock it up (as we all do) then perhaps we might get some honest politicians, a little less afraid to say what they really mean.
I am, etc.,
COTTRELL HYATT
chyatt@postmaster.co.uk
London E9 7RR UK
