THE EDITOR, Sir:

As I digest the results of the mid-term elections in the United States and the Democrats' decisive victory in the House and Senate, I wonder if the leadership of the Peoples' National Party sees any lessons to be learnt from the Republican defeat.

In the big picture, the Republicans seem to have become arrogant, after 12 years of control of both houses and a leader who had become cocky, with support staff (vice-president and secretary of defence) who share similar traits.

In Jamaica, we see where a party in power for 17 years has become arrogant and dismissive of the people. For example, in the Trafigura affair, Minister Buchanan has declared the matter dead even though high-profile, non-partisan national organisations and the general public are clamouring for a full disclosure on the matter.

Also, when the Prime Minister is asked about the repaying of the Trafigura money (which she had instructed to be repaid), she is dismissive of the press by telling them to go and ask the PNP.

On the local level, we see where a sitting M.P. in St. Elizabeth is replaced without consultation with the M.P. or the constituency party machinery. In central Westmoreland, we see where the choice of the delegates is sidelined by a retiring M.P. from another constituency without consultation with the delegates (these are supposedly safe PNP seats).

I hope the PNP can learn from the mistakes made by the Republicans and the result that it garnered, as they prepare for a general election within one year's time.

I am, etc.,

AINSWORTH DICK

Kingston 5