The Editor, Sir:

During the recently concluded election campaign both major political parties seemed to have appealed to the 'weak-spot' of many of the electorate 'the promise of freeness'. Herein traits of socialism exists. There are aspects of socialism that are desirable.

Indeed, I have always been of the opinion that the enigmatic Michael Manley would 'stir', should the Jamaica Labour Party wrest power from the People's National Party largely on the basis of a more socialist-oriented agenda. Alas, it has come to pass.

Be rational

As much as politicians need to be careful in the promises they make in quest of power, and as much as those said politicians need to be held to their word, in the interest of the nation and fairness, Jamaicans need to be rational!

In the aftermath of the election, various social groups, (trade unions, warders, nurses et al) have been almost hawkish in what appears to be a demand for a boost in their salary.

Now, Jamaica faces almost a trillion-dollar debt, Fact: The fluidity or even availability of funds to finance 'such demanded freeness' does not exist.

The promised elimination of corruption towards making funds more fluid will not happen overnight, and as much as a well-thinking Jamaican would be the biggest supporter of instant doubling of minimum wage, that very person must recognise that our fiscal state dictates that the short-term nature of such a measure is not as real as our hearts would yearn.

As Jamaicans, we need to be practical. For a moment, let us rise above that and deal with making improvements step by step. In that vein, my fellow Jamaicans, patience please, patience!

I am, etc.,

ABKA FITZ-HENLEY

abfitzel77@yahoo.com

Kingston 6