The Editor, Sir:

Your editorial in Wednesday's paper raises in my mind the issue of the purpose and effectiveness of the Senate and our political institutions in general. I agree with the sentiment that sometimes those who are called to lead have a predilection for talking over doing. Do our legislators possess the requisite passion, discipline and love for country to propel them to work unremittingly to introduce and process legislation that will pave the way for a better Jamaica?

I suppose the broader question relates to the effectiveness of our political structures and the expectations that the populace has of those who have been appointed to serve us in these capacities.

the nations business

Whether the Senate meets or not is immaterial for many of us Jamaicans and how they carry out the nation's business is of even less interest. This kind of indifference allows laziness, unprofessionalism and ineffectiveness to go unnoticed in public life.

I want to encourage Senators Lightbourne and Nicholas to direct their energies towards leading a more thoughtful and effective Senate because that is what many well thinking Jamaicans expect of you.

The Senate is not intended to be a place for sound bites and partisan hot air. Some of the exchanges between members in joint parliamentary meetings in recent times have highlighted the immaturity and disrespect that have come to characterise Jamaican politics.

how to progress

It is clear that if Jamaica is going to progress the citizenry of this country will have to demand more from our leaders. The standards and expectations have been set too low. Our politics has become too cheap. Perhaps the politics is a reflection of what is happening to institutions in this country.

Maybe the indiscipline, uncouthness and self glorifying behaviour we observe in some of our political leaders is similar to what is present in some of our churches, trade unions and civic organisations. We all need to raise the standard!

I am, etc.,

ROY NOTICE

rlinnotice@hotmail.com