THE EDITOR, Sir:THE TWO major political parties will soon elect new leaders but what do these 'new' leaders have to offer? Bruce left the JLP because he was tired of 'tribalism within politics' among other things, but now he is back. Has the 'tribalism' or any other thing he advocated for changed? I don't think so.
What will Portia/Peter/Pearnel/Audley/others bring that is NEW for a better and brighter Jamaica?
Here in the USA and many other 'developed' countries, I have known of NO political fighting, blatant corrupt official, unaccountable politician etc. However, there are fixed terms for leaders, fixed election dates, accountability commissions (which work), independent investigative bodies for (police, parliamentarians, public officials) and also many investigative journalists among other institutions (though not perfect) which assist as well as monitor the running of the country.
It seems that all we in Jamaica currently have to elect from are outdated/stubborn/self-serving/garrison-elected parliamentarians to become leaders.
My hope is that soon, very soon, the young bright and intelligent among us will make a bold move and decide that it is time we take the baton and begin to steer Jamaica along a path filled with vision. The leaders from the education association/nurses bodies/security forces/private sector among institutions should be, at all times working with the politicians for a better Jamaica.
I am also sure that before any vision can become reality people must be able to understand, so education must be the forerunner or, at the very least, the first priority. I know we have the capacity and capabilities. Are we willing to take a chance to change the old colonial/barbaric way of doing business?
I am, etc.,
CONRAD E JONES
conrad_atom@hotmail.com
Stone Mountain, Georgia, USA
