The Editor, Sir:

I note with some interest, recent deductions by Gleaner columnist Dawn Ritch, relating to assumed differences between myself and Prime Minister, the Hon. Bruce Golding. While I appreciate Dawn's commendation of my efforts so far as the Minister of Transport and Works, and I am aware that she and other media commentators are no doubt entitled to their points of view, I believe, importantly, that these opinions need to have some direct bearing on the facts

For the records, I am known as a person holding strong views on a number of fundamental issues, and I have had differences with many persons, including the Honourable Prime Minister, on some of these issues over the years. But, I certainly have no reason to have the Prime Minister in a 'bad book', as was suggested by Ms. Ritch in last week's Sunday Gleaner.

Political differences

It should be recognised that within the ranks of a political party, both in Opposition and Government, there will always be differences about individual issues, but this does not necessarily lead to animosity. In my case, the Prime Minister knew of many of my strong views prior to appointing me to the Cabinet and I, as a seasoned political leader, knew just as well that there will at times be differences of opinion. So, while Ms. Ritch may still hold on to her own view on the PM's removal of responsibility for Air Jamaica from the Ministry of Transport and Works, I have long passed that issue. The Prime Minister exercised his prerogative just like I have to do in my capacity as minister, and I am sure some of my decisions are not popular in some quarters.

I, therefore, reiterate that while thanking Ms. Ritch for her commendation, I take it on behalf of all my Cabinet colleagues who are being very ably led by Prime Minister Bruce Golding, with whom I shall continue to work to the best of my ability, in the best interest of Jamaica.

I am, etc.,

L. MICHAEL HENRY

Minister of Transport and Works