The Editor, Sir:

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller has finally announced the next general election to be August 27, 2007, and I congratulate her for making an excellent speech during Sunday night's mass rally at Half-Way Tree in St. Andrew.

Her policy proposals were commendable, while her proposed country projects are praiseworthy. If elected Jamaica's next prime minister, this country will really see a number of large-scale projects implemented, including a major children's hospital located in Montego Bay, which is really needed at this time.

Her political speech was most interesting, incisive and most informative, while concomitantly, she delivered herself in a very erudite manner, befitting a visionary prime minister and PNP president.

I cannot understand why Opposition Leader Bruce Golding has arrogantly criticised the Prime Minister for announcing the general election to be on August 27.

That's a very appropriate date in my view and I wish her every success on election day, because I firmly think that she should be given her own prime ministerial mandate.

She has a lot to contribute to the development of Jamaica and to continue the superb progress of a PNP government, which has so far performed exceptionally well over the past 18 years.

I am, etc.,

RICHARD L. TOMLINSON

Montego Bay