THE EDITOR, Sir:AS A Jamaican who grew up in this country in the early 50s and 60s with family and community taking responsibility for my care and upbringing, I have been following and enjoying the various arguments and propositions being debated as to the person best suited to lead the People's National Party when Prime Minister P.J. Patterson demits office in 2006.
As one who knows what it is to be surrounded by good role models, I am reminded of the type of leadership given to this country in the years 1972-1979 by Mrs. Beverley Manley, the wife of late Prime Minister Michael Manley. Young black women were motivated to believe in and to accept themselves as worthwhile, beautiful and capable persons!
Dr. Omar Davies has been married for 34 years to Dr. Rose Davies, a lecturer at the University of the West Indies in Early Childhood Education, and they have together raised their children in the tradition of the good "ole" Jamaican family values. Dr. Rose Davies, in a very quiet and dignified manner, has provided support for her husband Omar in his South St. Andrew constituency by helping several young women who have fallen on hard times to lift themselves to another level by education, skills training, social development and self-help projects. Many lives have been changed because of her love, care and support.
Jamaica at this time is crying out for a family that can lead by example. The perfect example can and will be found in Omar, Rose and their children. Jamaica needs them now more than at any other time in our history. Responsible leadership begins with the examples set both in public and private lives by those who aspire to lead.
I am, etc.,
CYNTHIA MANAHAN(MRS.)
Kingston 19
