THE EDITOR, Sir:

My own assessment of the Government's performance for its first year is that it has done well.

Given the background of the parlous state of the economy and a cultural environment of what Motty Perkins calls 'sinking in depravity', I did not expect a turnaround in the economy and in our social relationships to be immediate.

In spite of the constraints, and in spite of too-high expectations generated by the competition in election promises, I note a number of achievements which I sample as follows:

1) The taking on of Jamaica Urban Transit Company overstaffing leading to the murder of Mr Chambers and the determination of the minister, Mike Henry, not to change course.

2) The arrest of a top-ranking policeman for allegedly running an extortion organisation.

3) Samuda's regulation of the clearing up of ferrous junk, so that iron can be sold to China without reducing manhole covers, etc.

4) Shaw's increase in the intake of revenue - done without being draconian.

5) The immediate response to Gustav's damage, especially the replacement of the Harbour View bridge by a Bailey bridge within two days. And preparation for flooding, as well as cleaning up after Gustav by Mayor Desmond McKenzie.

6) Minister Holness manfully trodding a difficult learning curve.

7) Consistent efforts in tourism by Edmund Bartlett.

8) The willingness of Prime Minister Bruce Golding to face the nation in his FDR-style monthly fireside chats.

Those and other items bode well for our future. I do not expect an early turnaround in the crime situation, as conditions at the family level are at an all-time low and there are big-money interests benefiting from crime. Jobs, job, jobs are not on the immediate horizon, but we need to mobilise our idle lands and hands to feed ourselves.

My first real disappointment with this Government's performance is the exemption of five entities (including Air Jamaica, which has caused us so much pain) from the oversight of the contractor general. The transparency and anti-corruption stance taken by Government through that agency was one of the beacons of hope for our future. Blankets will not put my fears to rest. And pillows doth not a case make.

I am, etc.,

MICHAEL ELLIOTT

Mango Valley, St Mary