THE EDITOR, Sir:
I WRITE in response to Audley Shaw's article "Why Jamaica is worse than Argentina," which appeared in the "In Focus" section of the January 27, 2002 Sunday Gleaner.
Mr. Shaw cites all manner of facts and figures in his comparison of the two debt-burdened countries, and, of course, makes the requisite criticism of the present government's financial policies. Having a debt that is "160 per cent of GDP" is indeed horrifying as is the number of jobs lost. But it's all just horrifying facts and figures.
What really makes Jamaica worse than Argentina is that none of our government Ministers and other heads of government have resigned in shame. After the shoddy job that our elected officials have done, since the people of Jamaica can't fire them immediately, they should resign.
For example, Minister Paulwell's 'mismanagement' of funds crucial to, at the very least, providing some type of relief to unemployed workers is unfathomable and surely any self-respecting civil servant should resign his job.
Mr. Seaga's neglect in paying taxes and scandals under the present Prime Minister are all examples of gross mistakes that should be punished.
Jamaica is indeed in a worse spot than Argentina because our public officials will not take responsibility for their actions. Instead they seem content to point fingers at the opposing side. Rubbish!
The two main parties can't even come together to discuss the crime situation without argument. But of course this February 1 meeting date is greeted with much fanfare when in fact it is the thing to do and shouldn't need any special publicising. Get together and meet tomorrow! Why is it that most fundamental tasks facing a Jamaican politician take so much effort?
Members of political parties must remember that once elected to office, they are servants of the Jamaican public. Self-aggrandisement should not be a priority. I urge members of all political parities to reorganise and dispense with the political tactics that only hurt Jamaicans. Elections are coming and instead of deciding which party will best serve the Jamaican public, many are wondering how many will be killed this time. It's time to shape up or resign and give the job to a civil servant ready to do his (or her) job.
I am etc.,
RENEE-LAUREN ELLIS
19-Year-Old College Student
rellis@wesleyan.edu
Middletown, CT
Via Go-Jamaica
