The Editor, Sir:

I am happy to learn that funding has been made available to ensure that a national debate between the aspiring leaders is a reality. It is imperative for aspirants for leadership of our country to be engaged in national forums where they are given the opportunity to enunciate their long-term plan for the country.

A leadership position in any organisation/ association, moreso a country, must be taken seriously, not only by the aspirant/s but also by the persons to be led. The person/party we select must have the interest of the people and the development of Jamaica at the forefront. Also, while leadership calls for vision, that vision is no good if it cannot be communicated effectively and acted upon.

Don't be fooled

While we have all heard the rhetoric coming from the different political platforms on the campaign trail, what amount of credence can we ascribe to these? The time has surely come when as a nation, we need to hold our leaders accountable. We need to move from the era where we are captured by 'pretty talk' on campaign trail, to one in which we require aspirants to enunciate their strategic plan for the country.

In these national debates, the journalists represent not only the electorate, but also the entire Jamaica. The 'undecided' category continues to widen, and I believe that with information, this can change. As a result, Jamaicans are depending on journalists to ask the right questions of these leaders, so that we can deduce from the answers proffered, the person and by extension the party, best suited to lead our country at this time. I also do not believe that Jamaicans want rehearsed answers, so specific questions should not be sent to the aspirants before schedule.

As a people, we need to stop divorcing ourselves from critical national issues. We need to elect leaders who aspire to make its people 'fishermen' and not beggars, sitting by the wayside waiting for handouts.

Let us start this process by using the national debate to propel us into this phase.

I am, etc.,

PAT BIGNALL

wilbig@cwjamaica.com