THE EDITOR, Sir:

I have long noticed that politicians are at their best in their struggle for power if they can successfully identify themselves as liberators of, or champions of the poor. In the 1970s, a large section of the population was cajoled into classifying themselves as 'sufferers', a term which became a part of the PNP's vocabulary, cleverly differentiating that party from the JLP supporters who were classed as 'high-ups'.

Mr. Seaga's 'Deliverance is near' of the 1980s was a promise that held out hope of liberation for the masses.

It is my considered opinion that our present Prime Minister does not need another slogan.She simply needs the poor. Without the poor she would lose her political base. Consider Mrs. Portia Simpson Miller depending on her votes from an electorate that was not dependent on favours, hand-outs, promises, and her trademark hugs and kisses.

What will happen when the poor takes no more?

I am, etc.,

E.A. STREET

New Green

Mandeville