The Editor, Sir:

The People's National Party has found itself deeply mired in another questionable issue of national import. The 'Trafigura Beheer Scandal', as it has now been called, follows on the heels of the cement crisis, the Sandals Whitehouse scandal, the Portmore toll road dispute, and the NSWMA scandal.

However, this Trafigura saga, the latest in the series, seems to highlight that the governing party is not only seeking to stay in power, but at the same time fattening its collective coffers at the expense of many poor, vulnerable Jamaicans.

One of the grave ironies of this saga is that the person who has become central in this mess and, as a result, taken the fall, carried a portfolio responsibility of development. Now, development, as I understand it, is to increase productivity and create radical social, economic and structural growth that will enhance the total lives of people.

It is unacceptable to violate the collective trust of the people of Jamaica, as seems to have happened in this matter. Development is certainly not to short-circuit the human element, but to create national sentiments and pride as a result of an improved position and station in life in this country. But the only creation in this matter seems to be that of bigger party and individual accounts, all at the expense of the poor and vulnerable of this land. Arrogance and the total dismissive attitudes of many of these government officials have characterised the posture of this administration. This will not go unnoticed.

Whatever is in the dark always comes to light.

I am, etc.,

REV. LENNOX SCARLETT

Chaplain

Knox Complex of Schools