Dear Editor,
I note with favour the editorial in your Sunday edition (August 25, 2013) which appeals to the minister of finance and the Government to stay the IMF course, which will entail a lot of sacrifice and "bitter medicine" for all Jamaicans, and not divert for politically expedient reasons for retention of power as the road becomes more difficult for all.
My added thought would be to prioritise the winning objectives and rightly utilise whatever resources are available, while using powerful media and political forces to do repetitive reminders that there are few options left for Jamaica's survival and/or recovery from the financial disasters we brought upon ourselves by taking the more popular routes, especially in the '90s and early 2000s when we knowingly and admittedly were in "run with it" mode.
The IMF "bitter medicine" and prescriptions for servicing our $1.8-trillion debt are admittedly rough, but I appeal to those who must carry out the guidelines to recovery to be strong; no one relishes the bad-guy role, and it is especially undesirable in the world of politics. One can recall former Prime Minister Edward Seaga's 1989 rejection at the polls for, in the most part, his unpopular tough course of action. So this time I wish to add my voice to support the media call for those whose duty it is to lead a strong stand and be firm — regardless of the cries of pain which undoubtedly will arise — to stay the course.
I, however, pray that a level of cushioning can be found for the large numbers who, I fear, will be most vulnerable. I also must pray that the IMF prescription is truly the cure and will turn out to be the correct medicine, and that the sacrifices will prove to be the answer.
Jusjean
Manchester
Good editorial appeal
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I note with favour the editorial in your Sunday edition (August 25, 2013) which appeals to the minister of finance and the Government to stay the IMF course, which will entail a lot of sacrifice and "bitter medicine" for all Jamaicans, and not divert for politically expedient reasons for retention of power as the road becomes more difficult for all.
My added thought would be to prioritise the winning objectives and rightly utilise whatever resources are available, while using powerful media and political forces to do repetitive reminders that there are few options left for Jamaica's survival and/or recovery from the financial disasters we brought upon ourselves by taking the more popular routes, especially in the '90s and early 2000s when we knowingly and admittedly were in "run with it" mode.
The IMF "bitter medicine" and prescriptions for servicing our $1.8-trillion debt are admittedly rough, but I appeal to those who must carry out the guidelines to recovery to be strong; no one relishes the bad-guy role, and it is especially undesirable in the world of politics. One can recall former Prime Minister Edward Seaga's 1989 rejection at the polls for, in the most part, his unpopular tough course of action. So this time I wish to add my voice to support the media call for those whose duty it is to lead a strong stand and be firm — regardless of the cries of pain which undoubtedly will arise — to stay the course.
I, however, pray that a level of cushioning can be found for the large numbers who, I fear, will be most vulnerable. I also must pray that the IMF prescription is truly the cure and will turn out to be the correct medicine, and that the sacrifices will prove to be the answer.
Jusjean
Manchester
Good editorial appeal
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