THE EDITOR, Sir:

I didn't know whether to laugh or cry when I read your lead article of April 4. For sure, I was embarrassed and saddened.

It was not the notion of a pay raise per se that caused my consternation. After all, how much one works and how much he/she is compensated is often a very subjective matter, dependent upon a number of factors. While I have some opinions as to the work ethic of parliamentarians in general, and the appropriateness of their compensation, that discussion is for another time.

What really saddened me was the reason given as a basis for seeking a pay raise. To quote Mr. Henry, "Personally speaking, parliamentarians need far more than they are being paid. I spent about $300,000 this weekend burying people and make no apologies. I should be paid far more that I am being paid." Could he have realised what an unfortunate acknowledgement he was making on what seems to be the prevalent attitude towards the role of government in this country?

No doubt Mr. Henry is a hardworking, intelligent, and dedicated representative of the people, but his remarks betray a paternalistic, demeaning and defeatist attitude that unfortunately is far too common among politicians.

It is extremely troublesome to think that someone in an influential position as he holds such an untenable and myopic view of leadership. Surely the role of our elected officials is not to pay for funerals, subsidise school fees, hand out 'nannies', or give a 'likkle sumting' here and a 'likkle sumting' there. This is good for winning popularity contests, and even elections, but does nothing to uplift individuals or the society as a whole.

On the contrary, the role of those who govern should be to ensure the rights of Jamaica's citizens, to enact legislation that encourages opportunity and personal and corporate development, and to lead in the positive transformation of society.

We need a renaissance in our perceptions of what governance, public service and civic responsibility is all about. Only then can we start talking about remuneration and pay raises and such. Until we and our leaders get beyond the notion that government's role is primarily the distribution of scarce benefits and spoils, the proverbial 'alms for the poor', we will never achieve our potential as individuals or as a nation.

I am, etc.,

ARNOLD GOODHART

Kingston 10