THE EDITOR, Madam:THE recent attempts to discredit Gordon "Butch" Stewart by highlighting operational shortcomings at Air Jamaica is scandalous. It is no secret that when "Butch" speaks, everyone listens. This is uncomfortable for the Government. It is being openly discussed in political circles that Mr. Stewart's public stance on crime, inefficiencies in some public institutions and the general mismanagement of the economy, are largely responsible for the declining fortunes of the P.J. Patterson administration. As such, party operatives are determined to discredit him.
The public should gear up to hear more rumours and half-truths aimed at discrediting Mr. Stewart for daring to be a patriot. How can a Government that owns 45 per cent of the national airline and whose representatives were party to a decision to withhold payments in lieu of closing the airline, turn around and sue it? Unless, of course, there is a hidden motive.
Air Jamaica's current predicament is largely of the Government's making. Air Jamaica is yet to recover from the haemorrhaging caused by category 2. This latest court action will only serve to compromise the airline's loan arrangements and further complicate its problems.
Air Jamaica has come a far way since its privatisation. It is once again the pride and joy of every Jamaican who travels. This latest attempt to get "Butch" Stewart by undermining confidence in the airline highlights the rotting underbelly of our politics. I hope Mr. Stewart will not be deterred by this cowardly attempt to silence him and will continue to speak out on the issues that matter to ordinary Jamaicans.
I am, etc.,
JENNIFER COLLINS
36B Ward Avenue
Mandeville
