THE EDITOR, Sir:
I URGE politicians to put aside their differences and tune in to what the Jamaican people want.
Jamaica in year 2005 has little in common with Jamaica in the '60s. Although still under one flag, it is divided politically and culturally. Two groups have emerged, groups that grow further apart daily. They are PNP and JLP. Their disagreements range from financial matters to taxation issues. There's no knowing where it will all end.
STEADY POLITICAL PROGRESS
While the world and Europe in particular have been making steady political progress for the past 30 years, Jamaica has halted to reflect on its reorganisation, wondering how far to go in getting rid of the Queen, which leaders to appoint and what institutions and policies to adopt.
Meanwhile, successive governments have neglected key issues such as justice, public safety and foreign policy. There is no reason why the needs of politicians and those of citizens cannot be dealt with together. This is what the next election is all about. The question is not so much whether Portia Simpson Miller, Bruce Golding, Omar Davies, Peter Phillips or Karl Blythe will be prime minister or whether they will be at the head of the party.
The real question is whether the people's preoccupation justice, employment, health and family will be on the government's agenda . Will politicians be ready to concentrate more on common values social solidarity, welfare of immigrants, development and human rights?
For the first time , Jamaican politicians should come together and build a Jamaica that we all can be proud of. it's a blessing, but it's also a challenge
I am, etc.,
HERO SCOTT
hero.scott@skynet.be
Wezembeek-Oppem
Belgium
Via Go-Jamaica
