The Editor, Sir:

I am deeply offended by the Prime Minister presenting herself to the citizens of Jamaica as 'Mama'. To suggest to us that we should vote for her, that we should vote for any one of the 60 candidates of her party, because "a vote for them, is a vote for Portia", is an insult to our intelligence as a people.

Jamaica needs a leader who very clearly understands, and indeed demonstrates, that he or she understands what the role of the state is. The role of the state, simply put, is to create conditions that facilitate economic growth, to create conditions where it is difficult for crime to flourish, and to protect those in society unable to protect themselves. If the Government succeeds in doing these things, then we will not need anyone to hug us, to kiss us, to rub our heads and tell us 'not to worry because Mama is in control'.

Jamaica needs a leader who will inspire its citizens to get up and determine our own destinies. This culture of patronage, that the styling of our leader as 'Mama' exemplifies, will keep us as a people mired in dependency and continue to give relevancy to dons and politicians, who think that giving out cash and kind is enough for us to entrust them with positions of public leadership.

We demand more.

I am, etc.,

KELLY McINTOSH

Coopers Hill

St. Andrew