The Editor, Sir:

It is hard for anyone to be sure of how the JLP would perform if elected and so we can only go by carefully analysing what they tell us. On the other hand, we have more to go on when it comes to making a decision whether to elect the PNP. They have been the governing party for some 17 years and we can see the fruit of their stewardship.

The question then becomes: "do we want to try another approach or continue with more of the same?" More of the same could mean sinking so deep into debt and low productivity that leads to more crime and social disorder. On the flip-side (or flip-flop side) we could give Mr. Golding a chance to radically change the way we govern ourselves and, as they promise, put us back on the road to economic independence.

I do not think the JLP should be elected out of fear of Jamaica being a one-party state and I don't think the PNP should be elected because PM Simpson Miller is our first female Prime Minister. We should elect the party that clearly articulates a plan for the country, while taking into consideration the performance of the party that now leads the country.

Paying for necessities

Borrowing to spend on consumption is no way to run one's home economics. It is wiser to earn money to buy food and cloth, then borrow to invest in a home, but only to the extent you can make a decent down payment from your savings. You also want to ensure your earnings will allow you to pay the mortgage and still have money left to pay the bills and take a vacation.

The PNP government, however, does not appear to understand this simple economics. They seem to believe that the more funds you can borrow is the more 'progress' you are making. They have invested in some symbols of progress but neglected the substance of progress. Real progress comes from building and managing one's earning potential and the same is true for governing a country.

If one wants to be successful, he or she has to invest time, talent and money wisely. This involves getting an education, living a healthy lifestyle, choosing progressive friends, and securing a good job. I don't see where this government has followed this basic model of strengthening education, building health care, making friends with progressive countries, or facilitating job creation. If the example from this government is to borrow, borrow, what kind of productivity can we expect from poor ordinary citizens?

I don't agree with Mr. Seaga or Mr. Golding that "it takes money to care" but I surely do not see how the PNP with all its borrowed funds have really cared. What I see is that the PNP cares more about winning elections than doing what it takes to make the Jamaican people the winners we are capable of being.

Enough is enough, the PNP deserves some time in the opposition benches and the Jamaican people deserve a real tangible change in approach to governance and economic fortunes. May God bless Jamaica.

I am, etc.,

JOSEPH PATTERSON

joseph.patterson@sympatico.ca

Brampton, Ontario

Canada

Via Go-Jamaica