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'Man nuh know him deh good, till him deh bad'

November 15, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

The people of Jamaica thought that our country was suffering under the rule of a JLP Government. So they voted the PNP back into power. Looking back, I'm sure these voters would exchange any 'sufferings' we had during the years 2007 to 2011 for the ones we live with today.

Personally, I prefer an exchange rate that averaged about $80 than one climbing to $110. I prefer not having my patties taxed. I prefer my prime minister choosing not only to upgrade their and the Cabinet's "work vehicles" to the tune of over sixty million dollars, but also justifying this move, while I and many others face climbing taxi and bus fares. I prefer my PM not supporting questionable acts of corruption by members of Government, regardless of their party affiliation. I prefer a PM who acknowledges wrongs and mistakes, rather than one who is not only blatantly silent on errors made, but also one who is nowhere to be found while we are made to feel the effect and consequences of their blunders.

Personally, I prefer an exchange rate that averaged about $80 than one climbing to $110. I prefer not having my patties taxed. I prefer my prime minister choosing not only to upgrade their and the Cabinet's "work vehicles" to the tune of over sixty million dollars, but also justifying this move, while I and many others face climbing taxi and bus fares. I prefer my PM not supporting questionable acts of corruption by members of Government, regardless of their party affiliation. I prefer a PM who acknowledges wrongs and mistakes, rather than one who is not only blatantly silent on errors made, but also one who is nowhere to be found while we are made to feel the effect and consequences of their blunders.

On that note, I prefer having a PM who lives in the country in which they govern, rather than one who sporadically visits only to greet other PMs and pick up a new wardrobe as they continue along their game of "Where in the world is the PM today?" One who is not using the five years of power to travel the globe, funded by the tax I pay on the patties I can no longer afford. In any event, the PM can simply tax the air I breathe if all other means of funding trips fail. For the passing of that legislation, I guarantee the PM would be in the island.

I prefer a PM whose constituency is one in which its constituents are not suffering, and whose living conditions and circumstances are not deplorable and, in fact, laughable in the context of it being that the PM's. I prefer a PM who gives me details on what issues the Government addresses every Tuesday and Wednesday, rather than one who attempts to suppress my concerns with the use of generic and meaningless phrases such as "building bi-lateral relations" and "continuing the good work for the people of Jamaica". I don't think this last request in particular is unreasonable given that I pay for the cars that drive the PM and the Government to Gordon House, their drivers, the large security details that 'protect' them and the paper which they use to write the laws to tax me.

As a young person I am astounded by the behaviour of the PM and the government. At my age, I was hoping that the leaders of this country would be setting an example for me to invest my time and my education into building this country, but they only make me feel hopeless and embarrassed. They are no longer interested in achieving the goals they so vociferously threw at us during their election campaign. Jamaicans, or at least the majority of Jamaicans, have a clear syndrome of battered woman syndrome. We keep coming back for more, while our abusers continue to abuse us. We keep expecting things to get better. We listen to the empty promises of better times ahead, and turn a blind eye to the open sores and wounds that cover our bodies. I guess my point here is, "If you cyaan hear, you will feel."

Wendy Beswick

Barry Street

beswick_wendy@yahoo.com

'Man nuh know him deh good, till him deh bad'

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Wrong moves, Mr Holness

November 15, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

I believe Andrew Holness has, unsurprisingly, blundered immediately after winning the leadership challenge of the JLP. There has been sufficient talk of unity after the election, but a good leader doesn't just speak, he is tactical and purposeful.

The purpose of a political party is to seek governance, plain and simple, and after gaining State power that party is able to implement policies and to move the country forward.

The first meeting Mr Holness needed to have was with the Shaw camp. Gain an understanding of their differences and try to negotiate a way to fuse their strengths. Understand that every decision made will be Holness's, as he is the leader.

Shaw, Bartlett, Tufton, and others in Shaw's camp are powerhouses in the JLP. In fact, many people see Tufton as one of our best prospects as a leader. It is with this that Holness needed to use his best weapons to build a united front.

Persons are saying he has the mandate and should get a clean slate. That may be true, however the issue of the Senate should never have been used as a mechanism to clean house. An internal election should never have caused senators to resign.

Furthermore, in Jamaican terms, Holness is cutting off his nose to spite his face. If your goal is to win the next election -- and some feel that you are intimidated by a Tufton -- then a savvy leader would ensure that Tufton is close at all times. Give Tufton a role that he can be impressive, that will in the end make the leader look good. Instead, Holness is alienating some of the brains of the party to appoint persons who have very little to contribute and/or have zero experience, and thus are considered featherweights, if considered at all.

In requesting Senators to resign, Holness has immediately put himself in a weak position. It's like putting oneself in a checkmate position in chess, which is not allowed. How does he proceed if some senators ignore his request and hold their positions. He immediately is weakened as a leader. Why put yourself in that position? Mr. Holness needs to learn how to play the game instead of listening to his supporters who themselves are clueless to the game of 'Power'.

There is a difference between winning the government and winning your party leadership. You can clean house when you win the government, but,within your own party, it is foolhardy because you would be alienating some of your strongest assets. You need your 'big guns' to win an election -- period. Remember, there are no differences in ideology between the Shaw camp and Holness camp. When Obama won the Democratic vote against Hilary -- we forget that the primary was very nasty -- he immediately pulled his greatest rivals closest to him: Hilary as secretary of state and Biden as VP. If these persons could garner significant votes during the primaries, then certainly they can only make him stronger if they are on his side. Holness needs to learn a thing or two. He is currently looking like an amateur at best. The play book is already written - read it Mr. Holness.

Jason Robinson

robinsonjasona@yahoo.com

Wrong moves, Mr Holness

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After family feud, what?

November 15, 2013, 3:00 am
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TODAY, I want to discuss the need to clean up Spanish Town Road urgently. Also, I want to ask the National Water Commission (NWC) if they haven't noticed the dreadful stench pervading the area around lower Duke Street and Harbour Street in downtown Kingston.

While I'm at it, I must ask why the much-vaunted renewal of downtown Kingston is proceeding at such a dead slow-stop pace — any self-respecting snail would have left the track long ago. Then, there's the matter of how beautifully renovated the Kingston Craft Market is and how not one buyer was seen there in all the time of my visit, last Friday.

I should be able to wade into these right away but there's the bigger issue of politics and politicians. I convinced myself that this was not a national election, but rather an internal matter, so I avoided getting entangled in the web of controversy — of course I know. The party has been an important link in the chain of Jamaican life for the last seven decades. It cannot be denied, however, that it has been

haunted by epidemics of internal squabbling which has turned off many bystanders.

In the circumstance, it seemed best for me not to buy out what was essentially a family argument. So, I reserved judgement and watched the ups and downs. I maintained that it was their business, not mine, even if it would eventually affect the whole nation.

So, forgive me then, if I did not join the parade of analysis and pre-occupation with an issue which, as far as I'm concerned, will have to be decided by "to whom it may concern". The daily reports of continued internal wrangling demonstrate the challenge of leadership and the price which followers — and the nation — could pay eventually. All we can do is hope for the best and ask after the family feud, what?

On to other matters... like the appalling state of Spanish Town Road. I consider myself a tough one when it comes to my city — Kingston. I have never been afraid of downtown. I know about the crowds and the traffic and the explosive way downtowners can respond when challenged. I'm not intimidated by Spanish Town Road, but I have to admit that when conditions appear as wretched as they did last Friday, doubts came flooding in. Are we serious about saving our capital city?

From the time you turn on Beckford Street, heading west, you are struck by the confusion, the overwhelming disorder of people doing exactly what they want, whether others like it or not. Food items were facing possible contamination from exposure to the elements, and the boiling-hot soup pot dangerously poised at the edge of the road raised questions of what could happen if it were to come crashing down. Altogether, it was overwhelming.

Dirty water still clogged the gutters at the intersections between the main road and side streets where only divine providence is holding up dilapidated buildings. Despite the bright paint, which was used to mask the ugliness of newer but no less questionable structures, Spanish Town Road still screams out to be tamed (not suppressed). No dream of miraculous development and economic growth — the buzzwords of the day — can be maintained if plans for a renewed downtown do not tackle the scourge of ugliness which is choking a thoroughfare like Spanish Town Road, a major and historic link in and out of the city. It doesn't have to be gentrified and sanitised to the point where it loses its flavour and its viability, but if we expect better, then we have to make better come to pass.

The travesty about the concept of a renewed inner city, as far as I'm concerned, is that even the most enthusiastic supporters of the idea seem completely unaware of the historic value of sections of our capital. It is hard to see beyond the current squalor. Spanish Town Road and the streets around all have some positive history, despite the burden of violence and decay. Is this being taken into consideration for real restoration?

Some seem to think it is only selected neighbourhoods which make up downtown. We know that there are the good, the bad and the ugly. Which ones will be favoured with gentrification, and then what will we do with the others from where the smells of poverty emanate and the gutter water will not stop flowing? Serious ting.

The other matter which I want to bring to your attention is the Kingston Crafts Market. Having gone through a period of neglect and decay, surviving the ravages of fire and flood, the old building in which it was housed has now been repaired and renewed. A sparkling new interior and exterior now greets visitors and home-folks alike. Sadly, what is missing is a vital ingredient... shoppers to enjoy the bright offerings. Last Friday, when I went to "pay respects", having been on the case (for I don't know how long), there was not a customer in sight. The vendors wore the look of abandonment. Now, it is not the environment they complain about, but the lack of business, which is threatening their existence.

There are enough agencies of government and elsewhere which could be assigned to help develop an appropriate marketing programme for a facility into which public funds are invested. There's a lot of 'mouth-running' about entrepreneurship and wealth-making these days. Now, who will help the Kingston craft market vendors, who have endured years of marginalisation, to get a foot on to the prosperity ladder everybody else wants to climb?

What is sad about the present situation is that the range of items, especially those adorned with our patriotic colours and designs, are of good quality and reasonable prices. The possibility for expansion of our traditional crafts, the re-introduction of dressmakers, tailors and other crafts persons is worth encouraging. This could be the long-awaited renaissance.

As to the sewage odour downtown, where does the NWC stand on that issue at the moment? It would be good for the business which we're trying to lure back to downtown if this could be tackled with appropriate energy. I've heard about the challenge of removing the old clay pipes which run beneath some of our city streets, causing problems for the NWC. Whatever it takes, however, something has to be done to replace and retrofit. Failing that, the investors, when they come and if they come, won't be happy.

ELSEWHERE: "Puss and Dawg nuh have the same luck." Can you imagine the response which would come from the Diaspora if a mayor of any Jamaican town had behaved like the Mayor of T'ronno? From crack-smoking to drunk-a'ready, to selling toys (dollies) — allegedly for charity — while declaring that he has no intention of stepping down from the public office, whose name he has tarnished. What did I tell you? There are people out there far-far worse than any of us here, but to hear some of our family abroad tell it, especially via social media, we are the "worsest". Look me in the eye and say so!

gloudonb@yahoo.com

After family feud, what?

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Little Miss Tessanne sends love

November 15, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

I remember the first time I had met Miss Tessanne Chin, it was three years ago when I was six years old and went to work with my mommy on the production set of the Digicel Rising Stars live shows.

I remember thinking that she was so cool. One Sunday they allowed me to sound check her microphone and everyone called me "little Tessanne" I felt so excited and told my mommy that I want to be just like her when I grow up.

I am now watching her on The Voice and I think she is just so brave, and I am very proud of her and I hope she wins the competition. I think she should win because she has an excellent talent and she works very hard, and a lot of young girls, including me, look up to her.

Tamyra Jonas

St Andrew

Little Miss Tessanne sends love

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Gone to the dogs

November 16, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

I want to share my experience following my attending the JLP delegates' conference on the weekend.

Even though I was mysteriously left off the voters' list and replaced by some girl probably just turning 20 years old with no knowledge of anything but a good party, I decided to attend nonetheless.

What jumped out at me at the conference was the difference between the average Holness supporter and the average Shaw supporters.

Holness supporters seemed more to reflect the rougher edges of the urban inner-city demographic and were far more vocal and aggressive in their posture.

Shaw supporters, on the other hand, tended to be more of a healthy mix of middle class, inner-city and rural. A number of prominent businessmen were also there observing. In all they are more conservative and most were eager to go home after voting.

I also recall large buses filled with persons who were frighteningly intimidating, some with shirts covering their faces, entering the compound to the objection of police and security personnel on hand. With Mr Holness in front of that crowd they punched through Mr Shaw's more conservative crowd and disrupted voting on the grounds.

As I reminisce on the happening I realised that this country has gone to the dogs. Beyond that, the Mr Shaws, Dr Peter Phillipses and Dr Chris Tuftons of this nation have no chance of leading. Bhuttoism and thuggery is now the order day.

The actions of Mr Holness following his win have only reinforced this. Essentially, pushing for senators to resign and forming a shadow cabinet filled with dinosaurs and lacking in any serious intellectual capacity is bound to result in doom for the JLP.

Mr Holness, unlike Mrs Simpson Miller, thinks he can win the next election with just half the party, not even realising that the party is already half a party.

I am so depressed about everything.

Dania Hendricks

Kingston 19

Gone to the dogs

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When thinking Goat Islands, think Portmore too

November 16, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

Even as the vast majority of the citizens of the Municipality of Portmore recognise the potential benefits to be derived from the proposed logistics hub on and around the Goat Islands, there is a need for the planning authorities to work along with the elected Member of Parliament, Fitz Jackson, to ensure that a road connecting the Hellshire communities to the Greater Portmore is constructed.

This is of critical importance, because of the fact that the dredging of the waters around the Goat Islands would remove the natural wave breakers which protect the Hellsire Road from the full impact of storm surges.

Experience has shown that the existing Hellshire road is blocked or becomes difficult to navigate after the passage of storms and hurricanes along the island's southern coast. This situation will become much worse when the shallow waters around the Goat Islands are dredged.

Secondly, if the residents of Portmore are to derive optimal benefit from the planned Logistic Hub and the Caymanas Industrial Park development, it demands the full and active participation of both the Fitz Jackson and Collin Fagan at all stages of planning of these two projects.

Experience with the Highway 2000 has shown that where our members of Parliament are excluded from the process the municipality suffers. The high levels of unemployment in the municipality, especially in the areas of Waterford, Old Braeton, Newlands and Naggo Head demands the full inclusion of the both members of Parliament in these projects.

Basil Fletcher

basilAksumite@hotmail.com

When thinking Goat Islands, think Portmore too

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Youthful exuberance?

November 16, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

The leadership race in the Jamaica Labour Party came and went in a flash. Last Sunday saw Andrew Holness defeating Audley Shaw convincingly to legitimise his leadership. With the win, Holness is the first elected leader of the 70-year-old Labour movement. The win also gave Holness the opportunity of bringing a new slate to the spokesman's bench, after the entire shadow cabinet resigned.

The leadership race has brought forth the worst of both camps, with Holness suggesting he doesn't want losers around him (which currently make up 66.67% of constituency caretakers and over 150 councillor caretakers), while Tufton outlining his model leader (a leader that is not intimidated by bright people, a leader that is inclusive).

The aftermath of the election seems, however, to be much more difficult than the lead-up. Since then, Mr Holness has gone ahead and selected a shadow cabinet which is left wanting. He rewarded "teamJLP" faithfuls with key spokesperson positions, only including Audley Shaw and Ed Barlett from the team which challenged him.

Mr Holness has also suggested that, like the shadow spokespersons, senators should resign. The Senate however has not done so. The noise is around Christopher Tufton, who supported Shaw and is said to have made some stinging remarks about Holness. Let us bear in mind that this is the same Chris Tufton who is accredited to be one of the best performing ministers in the Golding Cabinet, and also at the time of Golding's retirement was a front-runner, along with Holness, for leadership. Therefore, one of the most popular men in the Labour Party, a man with intellect and one that also does well for the image of the Party has been left out.

The appointments of the shadow spokesperson may be seen as youthful exuberance by the confirmed leader of the JLP. His hasty decision to name a shadow cabinet without first meeting with all stakeholders may send the wrong message, not just to delegates or supporters of the party but also the wider electorate.

The leader of the JLP must always be cognisant of who he leads, and that is the entire JLP. His responsibility as leader must now be to motivate and inspire; outline a vision and objectives; and lead.

Holness must acknowledge that had everything been okay with his leadership, Mr Shaw wouldn't have challenged him; much less amass 43 perc cent of the delegates' vote. He must therefore reflect on his stewardship thus far, and endeavour to ensure that he continuously adjusts his style to create the type of party he envisions. Delay your decisions until thorough thought can be put in and objectivity is able to step in.

Ozane Bell

ozane.bell@gmail.com

Youthful exuberance, maybe?

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Reduce the bureaucracy

November 18, 2013, 1:00 am
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Dear Editor,

Government is not a solution to our problem, government is the problem — Ronald Reagan

It is the duty of Government to create a competitive regulatory framework to facilitate private investment, but many bureaucrats do not understand their role in promoting investment, since the public sector operates like a trough for party faithfuls.

Although, various reports have outlined the solutions for reforming the public sector, no political will exists to implement these findings. Notwithstanding, the pro-market claims of both political parties, the view that the state should also be a driver of growth in the economy, is still purported by many. Fortunately, a major policymaker like Chris Zacca understands the type of growth that is needed to propel Jamaica to greater heights. Mr. Zacca was correct when he asserted that, "This growth must be equitable. It must reach large and small businesses, and it must create jobs. It needs to be entrepreneurial at its core. It cannot be state capitalism or statist in nature, and it cannot rely on a few large infrastructure projects alone."

Despite all the pronouncements from Gordon House about reducing bureaucracy, the problem has not improved. Bureaucracy has become the biggest obstacle to doing business in Jamaica, according to the World Economic Forum's latest research on competitiveness. Decisive steps must be taken to make Jamaica attractive to investment and reducing the impediments to the development approval process.

Jamaica should create an online business licensing service, similar to what exists in Singapore. Singapore's online business licensing service is a one-stop shop that offers all business licences available in Singapore, along with update, renewal and termination services. Of even greater importance is that the creation of this online facility reduced approval time from 21 to 8 days. Privatising some aspects of the approval process is another workable suggestion.

Since, local government is the campaigning arm of both parties, no politician would abolish it, though it is a major contributor to bureaucratic inefficiencies. Local government should not be involved in the issuance of construction permits. This aspect of the approval process can be outsourced and the government should only regulate the process. Parish councils are incompetent and expensive to maintain, costing the country $7 billion a year, and we do not need them. We want a political party that understands the free market and a truly transformational leader, like Margaret Thatcher, to unleash the productive capacity of Jamaica. Are you willing to be that leader Mr Holness?

Lipton Matthews

lo_matthews@yahoo.com

Reduce the bureaucracy

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As night follows day

November 18, 2013, 1:00 am
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Dear Editor,

If there is one thing our short history as an independent nation has taught us, it is that the weaker the Opposition the more corrupt the Government. Weakening the Opposition isn't strengthening the ruling party, it is enabling corruption in every sphere of our society.

As soon as the People's National Party (PNP) realised that the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) had began its usual fractious nature, it struck. It quietly returned Mr Richard Azan. This is the tip of an iceberg that Jamaica will not be able to survive this time.

Edward Seaga was the best manager of the Jamaican economy, but he was also the worst Opposition leader. After years of quarrelsome and divisive leadership, under Seaga, the JLP won state power in 2007. By then the country had descended into the bottomless pit of corruption. The most outstanding performers during the JLP's reign were Andrew Holness in education, Dr Christopher Tufton in agriculture, and Audley Shaw in finance. Therefore, Holness would always be looking over his shoulder for Tufton, even though he lost his parliamentary seat.

Tufton, people say, should have poured all the resources of his ministry into his rural constituency, instead he went for national development in rice production, cassava production and greenhouse technology. Holness simultaneously came up with innovative ideas in education, it was hard to choose between the two.

When Shaw challenged the new leader some people thought that Tufton must be the hidden hand in the velvet glove. Holness decided that Tufton was the enemy, not a competitor. Disregarding his contribution, Holness went after Tufton with everything he had and finally succeeded in neutralising him. The most hurtful statement by Tufton that is said to have irked Holness was the one about Holness being uncomfortable with bright people around him. Holness is unwittingly proving this to be so, he is driving some 12" nails into the coffin of the JLP. He is making it impossible for us to ever have a viable Opposition.

Holness isn't Portia's "young son", he is Seaga's prodigy, and he seems here to finish the demolition job Seaga started. Holness is a chess player and probably versed in strategic moves, he may believe that he has outmanoeuvred his opponents within the JLP, but what he has done is handed the PNP another 18.5 years in power. Will we recover from such an onslaught? The answer is easy, does night follow day?

Mark Clarke

Siloah, St Elizabeth

mark_clarke9@yahoo.com

As night follows day

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A tale of two leaders

November 18, 2013, 1:00 am
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Dear Editor,

Magnanimity literally means greatly generous. It is the virtue of being great of mind and heart. It encompasses, usually, a refusal to be petty, a willingness to face danger and actions for noble purposes.

After the often bitter and intense challenge for the leadership of the People's National Party, in 2006, many thought that Portia Simpson Miller would conduct a systematic purging of the party and surround herself with supporters only. She did not. Indeed, she appointed Omar Davies, Peter Phillips, Maxine Henry-Wilson, and others who openly opposed her to her Cabinet and the Upper House.

Again, after the challenge to her leadership by Peter Phillips in 2007, Mrs Simpson Miller turned away from vindictiveness and spite. Indeed she chose to be magnanimous by appointing Peter Philips her finance minister.

The recent moves by Andrew Holness show clearly he is no Portia Simpson Miller. This is a good thing for those within the party, but viewed with much trepidation and scepticism by those outside the party. Holness continues to espouse his "smarts", but Jamaicans know that there is a very thin line between being smart and being devious.

If he treats those within his party with such disdain, what would he do, when in the powerful position of prime minister, to those who dare to vote against him in the next general election?

M Handy

Mandeville PO

Manchester

A tale of two leaders

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Ye who is without sin...

November 18, 2013, 1:00 am
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Dear Editor,

I have known and been well acquainted with Minister Richard Azan since he was an infant. He has always been respected, respectable, humble, hard-working, and justifiably beloved by all those who come in contact with him, Comrades and Labourites alike.

All the minister can be accused of is having made a mistake in trying to do what is good for our people. It is said that to err is human, and isn't he human. If mistakes were not intended to happen why make a pencil have an eraser.

Mistake is no sin, and all those who are condemning him, and the government for reappointing him, if they are without sin, let them cast the first stone. None of them can. What they should do is to transmute their energies into offering solutions to our devastating social and economic problems and pray for our minister of finance and for more meaningful investments to move our country forward.

Owen S Crosbie

Manchester

oss@cwjamaica.com

Ye who is without sin...

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Our Senate has been severely compromised

November 18, 2013, 1:00 am
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Dear Editor,

The apparent backlash from the Jamaica Labour Party leadership race is being played out in the Senate. It slaps democracy and good governance smack in the face. The premise on which the Senate was drafted as part of the Constitution of Jamaica has been totally undermined by the muzzling of senators with the signing of this "pre-nuptial" agreement.

There can be no conscience vote expected of senators appointed by Mr Holness, as they have signed away this right, thus the integrity of the Senate is totally compromised.

With this type of action, there can be no safeguarding of the constitution, as everything must be rubber-stamped by the party.

I want to know if this is the kind of transformational leadership that Mr Holness claims he is bringing to the party?

How could a noted attorney like Arthur Williams draft such an document and sign off on it, along with a retired resident magistrate — Marlene Malahoo-Forte? One must wonder whether they genuinely wanted to serve or they were so hungry for power.

Now that Christoper Tufton and Williams have resigned — not by their own volition — I would assume that the undated letters for the others are still in the possession of a seemingly vindictive Opposition leader who could them to remove whomever in the same way he did to those two.

It should therefore be out of an abundance of caution and shame that those members resign forthwith, as there ability to make an informed, conscientious decision is very questionable. If they do not, then I would suggest to the PNP senators not to sit in the Senate with them, as clearly there is no room for deliberation. The integrity of the Senate is severely compromised, and although democracy won in the JLP leadership race, what we see winning in the Senate is nothing short of vindictiveness.

Ralston Chamberlain

ralston.chamberlain@alum.utoronto.ca

Our Senate has been severely compromised

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What lies beneath the letters

November 19, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and the country are still reeling from the recent "resignations" of Messrs Christopher Tufton and Arthur Williams. No doubt the goodly gentlemen must have been just as surprised by their resignations as the rest of us, and with good reason.

If there was any doubt in anyone's mind that Opposition Leader Andrew Holness possessed the qualities necessary for politics they stand duly corrected. The fact that senators were made to sign undated resignation letters prior to taking up appointments is proof enough. The willingness of Mr Holness to go for the jugular and use them provides further proof.

It has been reported that the actual purpose precipitating the drafting of the letters is not what they were eventually used for here. They came about as a means of safeguarding the party's position on the Caribbean Court of Justice.

The whole incident has raised a raft of questions, the majority of which are still unanswered. Here are just a few:

Was the use of the letters in this instance ethically or morally right?

Will the newly appointed crop of senators be made to sign similar undated resignation letters?

Are the pre-signed letters from the senators that were not removed still effective?

Are there more letters of this ilk, but in other spheres, floating around out there waiting to be brought to public attention?

Does Mr Holness have more tricks like these up his sleeve and, should he become prime minister, will the country see similar scenarios unfolding?

Will the issue of trust ever be resolved in the JLP, and can they ever form a viable Opposition any time in the future?

Interesting times are ahead.

Robert Mitchell

Manchester

mitcib@yahoo.ca

What lies beneath the letters

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JUTC 'unfare' to the most vulnerable

November 19, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

On November 17, 2013 the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) discontinued the "transfer" system and, against huge public outcry, has implemented what it describes as alternatives. Only time will tell if there will be a public backlash from this action or persons will sheepishly accept it, I however would like to carefully look at the alternatives which the JUTC has presented. The General Manager Colin Campbell was kind enough to direct me to where I can get information on these "alternatives" and that's where my astonishment climaxed.

A careful analysis of the alternatives shows that they have pretty much reverted to the pre-Half-Way-Tree Transport Centre routes, with one exception: that they are express routes (save for one or two).

This we can use to assume that the 2008 Transport Centre/Shuttle Hub service was a grand failure. It also means that, on the now express routes, the JUTC is free to increase fares as it sees fit, as the Minister of Transport and Works can only impact the fares on the non-express routes.

But most of all is the nefarious act against the most vulnerable among us, as the JUTC offers no protection for various groups in society. Under this "alternative" system, there will be no cushion for children, pensioners, mentally and physically disabled or visually impaired individuals who will have to pay the full fares as everyone else or pay up to double fares to get to their destination. Who represented their interest at the JUTC board meeting when these decisions were being contemplated? Who in civil society cares enough to lend a voice to protecting our brothers/sisters and children?

Valdimir N Wallace

St Andrew

valdimir.wallace@gmail.com

JUTC 'unfare' to the most vulnerable

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Shabby Gov't and weak alternative

November 19, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

Jamaica's two political parties simply cannot present themselves as either being credible in the case of the People's National Party (PNP) or trenchant in the case of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).

Let's look at the PNP. It presented itself as the people's saviour. However, the country is in a tailspin with everything out of control. To compound this disastrous performance, the leader, who who represents the poor, is completely missing in action. This country has not heard a comprehensive or poignant interview from the PM in months, and those who speak on the Government's behalf are normally unprepared. Further, Mr Richard Azan admitted to not adhering to policies and procedures set out by law and the geniuses in government saw it fit to reinstate him. This is a slap in the face of all that is ethical and it proves that Jamaican politicians really do not care about perceived image.

Now to the alternative: the Jamaica Labour Party. This party is in utter disarray, and this does not stem from Audley Shaw's leadership challenge. I refuse to think that all the issues being played out in the media now are new. Can this party re-group and be viable again? The new shadow Cabinet leaves much to be desired, therefore, at this time as an alternative to the PNP, the JLP seems weak. The Opposition does not act like it's in opposition. Several matters which should be on their lips, simply gets a wonderful press conference but nothing more. The Opposition needs to forge partnerships with civil groups and apply some pressure to the Government in order to be seen as being effective and serious about coming back into power.

Overall, our politics is becoming more and more a joke, the PNP does not understand transparency and the JLP cannot come together to be a force to be reckoned with.

Javid Brown

Westmoreland

javidbrown@gmail.com

Shabby Gov't and weak alternative

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JLP better than any soap opera

November 19, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

Dr Chrstopher Tufton's claim during the leadership election campaign that the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) leader doesn't like "bright" people came into sharp focus recently after his abrupt "resignation" from the Senate. Apparently, it seems that the JLP has had some serious issues in regards to the intelligence of its leaders.

For while news of Tufton's "resignation" came as a shock, the way he resigned was perhaps the biggest laugh we Jamaicans have been treated to for a very long time. For while he was stating he would not resign, apparently he had already done so -- almost two years before!

One can just image the expression on Tufton's face when he was advised of his effective resignation. Clearly, either he did not remember the undated letter he signed or thought that as he was so important, Mr Holness could never use it against him. Kind of reminds me of that saying about digging two graves instead of one.

Strange, though, as I laughed myself to tears upon seeing the news on television, I wondered why Tufton thought that a bright man like himself would have any chance in the new JLP.

I still have to wonder how supposedly "bright" people, including seasoned lawyers and PhD-holders could have been convinced to sign such a letter. I really thought that these things only happened in soap operas.

Then it gets funnier! It was reported that Dr Tufton is considering legal action to challenge his involuntary resignation. I want to publicly declare my willingness to serve in any way on that case. I really could do with a good laugh.

The news report also said that at least one new senator was named by the JLP. One cannot help but wonder what secret document was signed before the appointment. Clearly, these JLP senators have to be kept in line.

The JLP seems set to give us more reasons to laugh soon. Whoever said that politics is boring just doesn't know the JLP.

Michael A Dingwall

michael_a_dingwall@hotmail.com

JLP better than any soap opera

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Abuse-free crime plan needed

November 20, 2013, 1:00 am
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Dear Editor,

Crime and violence are eating away further at Jamaica with every passing day. It has been reported that there has been a nine per cent increase in murder, when compared to last year, and up to the first week in November of this year there were 1,040 on record. The government, through the police, has therefore recently introduced curfews in certain communities in the Corporate Area and five parishes in an effort to contain the escalation of crime.

However, what is the government's overarching policy for dealing with crime in Jamaica, and is this escalation of crime to be regarded the result of a failed policy?

If the policy has indeed failed, what now is the new policy? Certainly, the new policy cannot be solely measures such as curfews, which deny citizens certain fundamental rights and freedoms?

There have been several scholarly and well-thought-out positions on how to deal with the crime problem in Jamaica. We have tried many approaches, but unfortunately, however, these have primarily focused on the use of force or the denial of certain rights. Draconian measures -- such as the Gun Court Act, the Suppression of Crime Act, the shoot first and ask questions later 'philosophy' -- have not and will not work.

Let us accept that it is the Government's responsibility for maintaining law and order. In doing so, it uses the police force as one of its agents. If that agency has lost the respect of the majority of Jamaica, then it is rendered ineffective.

My humble suggestion to the Government, therefore, is to establish if that is so and then deal with the police force. It certainly cannot be business as usual with the same failed policy and/or agents.

Finally, central to any new crime policy should be a non-acceptance of abuse of the rights of every single Jamaican by members of the security forces. A very strong message should be sent to the security forces that the Government will not support, condone, or tolerate such abuses.

Colonel Allan Douglas

alldouglas@aol.com

Abuse-free crime plan needed

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NWC and NWA costing Jamaicans dearly

November 20, 2013, 1:00 am
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Dear Editor,

All the National Water Commission (NWC) and National Works Agency (NWA) seem to know to do is dig up roads and put down marl. When will the minister of works and the prime minister take action on these companies? Oh, wait, they are government entities.

As soon as the roads are fixed, in a few weeks or months here comes the other firm to fix a leak that should have been fixed before the road was paved and they completely destroy the roadways. Not only do they destroy the roadways, but they leave piles of marl just sitting on the road. The road is almost never put in good stead before they pack up and are off to dig elsewhere. Were this the USA or Canada they would be out of business due to the number of lawsuits they would get.

I urge Jamaica to get lawyers and sue these agencies for destruction of roads and properties. They need to be held accountable for their bad workmanship. How can this Government stand for this shabby work. Why ask the Chinese to come here and fix our roads when we have them destroyed in no time by NWC and NWA. Where is the authority to hold these companies to account so that they don't seem to do whatever they want.

Farringdon Drive was just fixed, under two years, and now NWC has come and completely ruined the road again. This should be made a crime.

If more effort was taken to correct these problems, instead of the government only trying to collect more taxes, they would see that they spend less on road repairs. Then they could use the taxes in areas that need it like education and health.

Peter Shoucair

St Andrew

NWC and NWA costing Jamaicans dearly

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Graduates, go forward into farming

November 20, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

Female farmer, Miss Morgue Mortley is encouraging students not to "scoff at farming". She said: "Some university graduates, from rural communities, who now live in urban centres, but cannot find a job, I am therefore urging them to return home, and create employment for themselves and others through farming."

That's a good alternative, coming from Miss Motley. And I agree with her. And it's one of the best antidotes to human's dilemmas of needs and wants; as it feeds hunger and creates employment in a number of supporting roles such as transportation and marketing.

Many young people see farming as dirty work, so they scornfully look down upon it. But the Bible said that we are made of dust and we shall return to the dust. Therefore, based on what the Word of God say, shouldn't it be a flying start for us to plunge ourselves deeply into farming? Furthermore, the Creator's number one portfolio in His administration was make the earth fruitful. So, we can't lose, when it comes farming.

Donald J Mckoy

donaldmckoy2010@hotmail.com

Graduates, go forward into farming

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How much value do we really place on track & field?

November 20, 2013, 1:00 am
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Dear Editor,

To some this may seem like a strange question, but if we really stop to think of it, do we really seriously place meaningful value on the discipline beyond the medals won and the raised cheers?

I ask this after watching the free fall the sport has taken in the last six months as our critics mass together in ever expanding numbers, hurling charge after charge that the local agency responsible for drug testing of our athletes has fallen asleep on the job.

So comfortable have our critics become, that not only have they been criticising and denigrating our testing fiasco, but have stepped that up a considerable notch to make the call for a potential banning of Jamaica from the next Olympic Games. The worst part of that is there are some of us who seem to think that this is merely an idle threat. My sense is not only that the threat is real, but it serves as the greatest threat to our own success.

Since 1995 a total of 23 Jamaican athletes have been cited for using some type of banned substance or the other. More than half of the names on this list were outed between 2006 and 2013, including names such as Fraser-Pryce, Yohan Blake, Sherone Simpson, Steve Mullings, Marvin Anderson, Chris Williams, Lansford Spence, and Asafa Powell to name just some.

It certainly helps us none with the publication in the Wall Street Journal last week of an article questioning the veracity of the academic qualifications of Dr Herbert George Elliott, the JADCO chairman. Obviously, the programme in Jamaica is now completely under attack, and to attempt to defend against the preponderance of evidence is not the smartest of approach as the evidence is already there.

Criticising Anne Shirley too may provide a respite for others, but it does nothing to alter the negative perception that has now massed itself over Jamaica's track programme. Instead of seeing the Shirley story as a barometer and move to address the problems as raised, we attacked the messenger.

Jamaica's Olympic Association President Mike Fennel claims that the comments by senior figures like World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) President John Fahey that they had "dropped the ball" damaged the reputation of Bolt, winner of three Olympic gold medals at both Beijing 2008 and London 2012. Reasonable argument this may be from Mike Fennell but guess what, we did drop the ball and we simply took too long to act. Unfortunately, not only Bolt suffers, Mr Fennell, Jamaica's 60-plus-year record becomes the main victim.

Obviously, we have failed to see the value that comes from our success and to appreciate that it must be properly defended. Let us get together some of the best brains available in the country, not just individuals involved in track and field, not political representatives, but people who understand how to run a business, how to build and defend a brand and from there set about reclaiming our dignity.

Richard Hugh Blackford

richardhblackford@gmail.com

How much value do we really place on track & field?

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