THE EDITOR, Sir:

I CAN only say to my friend who laughed mockingly at my suggestion on the eve of Bruce Golding's presentation at the 63rd Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) conference that I would be seeking membership in the JLP, that "she who laughs last laughs best."

I explained to my friend on Sunday morning as I awaited the start of the conference, that my desire to switch alliance was not a statement against the lady for whom we have the greatest respect, Portia Simpson Miller. It was a statement about my growing impatience at the PM's failure to display leadership when it is crucial. The failings of Portia Simpson Miller have nothing to do with the 'goodness' of the woman, but with her poor display at being 'prime ministerial'.

Golding has been criticised for not being charismatic enough - and for a long time I kept pondering, "What does charisma have to do with effectively running a country?"

After watching his presentation on Sunday afternoon, I have concluded that charisma is very relative. Mr. Golding managed to maintain my attention for his entire presentation and, more important, he had me 'buying' into many of his proposals, and that in my mind defines charisma.

My message to the People's National Party at this hour, Jamaicans yearn for 'goodness', 'compassion, hugs and kisses', 'charismatic speeches' and the like, but, most important, Jamaicans yearn for leadership. We yearn for a prime ministerial figure, a prime ministerial voice and action, and if Bruce Golding maintains the 'figure' we saw on display at the National Arena on Sunday, my friend may seriously want to think about lighting a candle, singing a Sankey and finding her way back home!

I am, etc.,

J. FRANCIS

10 Calypso Crescent

Kingston