THE EDITOR, Sir:

I watched with great interest the saga that unfolded in the ranks of the National Workers Union (NWU) and was relieved to read in the papers this morning that Mr. Dobson will remain in an advisory position and that both Mr. Roberts and Mr. Robinson remains as the two contenders for the top job.

I have always been an advocate of change, change when the timing is right and evident, but not change for change sake. It was somewhat surprising and concerning to understand that a so-called deal was made for the ailing Mr. Dobson, who is 71, to be unchallenged if he was willing to go for another term discounting and eroding the whole role and purpose of democracy which has been fought for by Martin Luther King, Marcus Garvey and our crop of national heroes, including Norman Washington Manley.

The time must come and is now Mr. Editor, where good men and women in positions of leadership should know when to stay and when to step down. We the new leaders have a mandate to those younger than us. If we are not careful we could lose a whole generation and new leaders when our present leaders pass away and then the stark reality hits home: 'Where are the new leaders?' The answer maybe this: 'They were stifled by their elders.'

I am, etc.,

SYLBOURNE SYDIAL

ffbj2003@yahoo.co.uk