These letters to the Editor are some of several reacting to the Prime Minister's announcement at the PNP annual conference on Sunday of a $635 million job programme to clean-up for next year's Cricket World Cup.
Out of control
The Editor, Sir:
It was with tremendous dis-appointment that I read the Prime Minister's attempt at using Govern-ment's money in a ploy to bolster the PNP's campaign machinery.
The use of Jamaican $635 million among 12,000 souls translates to US$800 plus. That sum translates to a mere $60 plus a month. Will somebody explain to the people of Jamaica just how many school books, food and rent you can purchase with US$60 a month? I am assuming that this project will run for 12 months. And then what?
The people must certainly be tired of handouts. Certainly, we must leave the pork barrel politics behind us and instil in our people a sense of national pride. Can it be done? Absolutely! Other countries have done it, but the book of Hosea says, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge."
Ours is not a popularity contest as some would have us believe; rather, it is about vision, about a nation gone out of control. A paradise nation that has embraced corruption and hopelesness. The Jamaican people must decide if it is business as usual or will we treat PetroCaribe funds for what it is.
Did you know that we could survive without borrowing as we have; without strangling the yet unborn with debt they had nothing to do with? It is unfair and pulls us down into the category of a beggar nation. We do not need to be there. Surely, we have good and capable people among us that can stop this madness.
I am, etc.,
KARL CHUNG
karl.chung@earthlink.net
7205 Oak Meadows Circle,
Orlando, Florida,
Via Go-Jamaica
Money will not cure poverty
The Editor, Sir:
As much as I admire our Prime Minister's energy and great intentions to eradicate poverty and to alleviate the country of many of its undesirable characteristics, I must warn that poverty is not moved by money. You can give a man a million dollars, but if he doesn't know what to do with it, he will be knocking at your door very soon, wanting more. Poverty is more than just lacking money. Unfortunately, it is so complicated that there is hardly any country that has successfully eradicated it, if there is one at all. Again, I congratulate her marvellous intentions, and the drive to secure the means by which to jump-start the process. I just hope that in time there will be some more consideration given to the social and cultural issues relating to the sustainment of poverty.
I am, etc.,
ZARA B
zara_b@yahoo.com
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Via Go-Jamaica
No vision
The Editor, Sir:
I have been away from Jamaica for almost 40 years, but still follow what transpires in the country. I normally do not find the urge to write to the Editor, but today's editorial (Sept. 26 on 'Portia's new crash programme') made me decide to.
I could not agree with you more. The Prime Minister seems to be more concerned about her political party being elected to a fifth term than the overall long-term interest of Jamaica. If we recall, this same craziness was tried in the 1970s and the result was one of waste and corruption. Jamaica cannot afford to make the same mistake again.
So far, this party and Government has wasted away a great deal of funds. Jamaica is crying out for leaders with vision and none of the present crop seems to fit the bill.
I am, etc.,
JACK SAUNDERS
jacksaud@gmail.com
PNP needs hiatus
The Editor, Sir:
Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller's announcement of a post-modern version of Manley's 'crash programme' is confirmation that she is ready to go to the polls. To use the ultra-partisan gathering (PNP's 68th annual conference) at which to make such an announcement signals the extent to which the comrades are uncertain about their future. Preparations for hosting the 2007 Cricket World Cup is of national significance and should not be relegated to party politics.
I think it is time for the PNP to go on a five-year (at least) hiatus to rethink the role of government as it relates to the future of Jamaica and Jamaicans. I can recall during my early years playing football; whenever I was not playing up to standard the coach would put me in goal (goalkeeper). His theory was that as goalkeeper I would be able to see the entire field of play and hopefully develop a better apprecia-tion for the game and the role each player was assigned. It worked!
As Her Majesty's Loyal Opposi-tion, the PNP will have the opportunity to relearn and retool and try to keep the Jamaica Labour Party-led government honest and responsive to the needs of the country and people. When and if the PNP regains power anytime soon will depend on how well they spent their time as goalkeeper, and more important how well Bruce Golding and his team perform in 'midfield' and 'upfront'.
I am, etc.,
Dr. RICHARD KITSON-WALTERS
kittywally@comcast.net
Baltimore, MD
Via Go-Jamaica
No to vote-buying
The Editor, Sir:
So the Prime Minister has announced that the Government has miraculously found millions of dollars to be available for urban renewal and beautification of major towns and villages. All of this, she says, is in preparation for Cricket World Cup 2007. The 'shovel leaners' brigade' is alive and well.
One of the major failings of politicians the world over is that they consistently insult the intelligence of the electorate by making very naive statements, and think that we are all fools.
If this latest programme is not intended to be a significant vote-buying exercise, then nothing else is. Be sure that over the next few months, all kinds of new social impact initiatives are going to be announced to further enhance the vote-buying programme. Never mind that these programmes may never get off the ground, but the announce-ments are intended to woo the voters.
It is high time politicians in general, and this present crop of 'jokers' realise that that kind of politics appeals only to those who cannot, or will not think for themselves. Rational, intelligent people require more than that.
They have held the reins of power for a very long time, and their record of performance leaves a lot to be desired. Vote-buying will not work this time.
I am, etc.,
The Watchman.
c-titus@cwjamaica.com
Kingston 8
Via Go-Jamaica