THE EDITOR, Sir:

AS A priest of the Church, one has to accept pastoral responsibility to our people and our nation. This means that one has to speak to issues that affect the lives of our people. This responsibility is made more important because of the challenges we now face as a nation. In this regard, I wish to speak to the leadership race within the People's National Party (PNP).

The first point to be made is that the person who leads the PNP is a possible prime minister, given the type of democracy we practise. As such, this matter is deserving of national attention.

Competence a concern

The second point is that based on discussions I have been hearing, the matter of the intellectual and social competence of one of the contenders is a matter of serious concern for many Jamaicans. This matter has become for many not just a perception, but a reality.

As a Christian, with a sense of national responsibility, Jamaica land we love, it is unfortunate that in this 46th year of our Independence, this matter of the intellectual and social competence of the possible prime minister is an issue for many Jamaicans. It is even most unfortunate that this issue has clouded what I humbly regard as the more important considerations. Among these are:

(i) The moral, social, economic and cultural advancement of this nation.

(ii) The articulation of a vision for national development which is relevant to our 21st century globalised world.

(iii) The need for unity and consensus around issues of national concern.

I invite all Christians, all people who believe in God, to ask divine guidance on the delegates of the PNP as they choose not just a party leader, but the person best suited to contribute to the agenda of national growth and development. Brothers and sisters, let us pray for this beauteous island.

I am, etc.,

REV EDWARD JENNINGS

edwardjennings629@hotmail.com