The Editor, Sir:

Election gimmick, Mr. Editor! Portia Simpson's announcement of 12,000 street cleaning jobs is a shameful display of election politics and one that should be thrown back in the face of those who come bearing gifts of lies and hopelessness. Portia Simpson failed to realise that her tenure is about to end, and no crash programme will save her. Jamaicans, after suffering the worst economic meltdown in Jamaica's history, needs more than cutting weeds and sweeping streets in 90 degree temperatures and drinking lemonade. Jamaicans need real jobs, real wages, real health benefits, real vacation packages, real hope and prosperity. Portia's crash programme offers none of these. It is a slap in the face of those Jamaicans who have suffered most and left out to dry to have their intelligence and their vote determined by the devilish thinking of those in authority

The beautification of Jamaica is a good thing, however, it should be done by the parish councils or other agencies. Jamaica has one chance to remove this corrupt government. That opportunity comes on election day.

I am, etc.,

CARL A. WILLIAMS

carljamny@aol.com

450 Rockaway Parkway

Brooklyn, New York

Via Go-Jamaica