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Stabroek News

Politics is not all rubbish
published: Friday | December 1, 2006

The Editor, Sir:

The popular view held by many Jamaicans that politics is corrupt is a function of the scandals and garrison-breed tribal warfare that have long existed and continue to proliferate with each passing day.

By virtue of its inheritance of this ill repute, today's politics has seen the infamous emergence of the 'uncommitted' (potential voters) as described by Mr. Bruce Golding in his post-annual conference press briefing. Let me tell you, Sir, what it will take to extinguish this troublesome class of which I am a part.

Transparency and objectivity:

The leadership of the party of choice must in all its pursuits, exhibit the kind of political lucidity that has been buried since I have known politics. It must be evident that state funds are equally distri-buted and efficiently used. For too long we have had to suffer the inconvenience of bad roads and ineffective community and educational facilities because money has been misappropriated. The 'every man must eat a food' mentality must be stashed aside and qualified contractors considered regardless of political persuasion. Lousy attitudes/statements such as, 'if I have ministers in charge of specific portfolios, I need not answer for their failures' will not suffice. Com-petent leaders keep abreast of every facet of government.

Practical and sensible proposals:

We must feel convinced that the goals set are attainable and that there is an intelligent base for different approaches. For example, it cannot make sense to dip hands into the pension fund to give people houses because sooner or later retirees will need their pension to survive. Having proposed to consolidate statutory payments into a single social security deduction and then allocate them accordingly, thereby separating the education tax and ensuring each has the allotted funds when needed is sound argument. Achieving this may be difficult, but these are the ideas and vision we have been lacking.

Efficient communication network:

There should be an established and clear route through which suggestions and recommendations can be filtered and a satisfactory response relayed - a system which succeeds in satisfying people that their suggestions have been heard and respected and where responses bear the stamp of urgency. Despite the regional brain-drain, there are still many bright minds here, including at NCU. Create an avenue where our voices can be heard and our ideas explored; this platform makes for the success of democratic governance.

Winning voters over from the PNP:

The JLP must help the near-sighted look at the long-term results of making an informed voting decision. They must be made to share your insight and therefore trade ultimate rewards for the immediate but deficient rewards that have been used to lure their votes in the past 17 years. Portia Simpson Miller has been successful at focusing the attention of the public on the present. Pulling from her bag of hugs and kisses she has lavished the masses with popularity and charm knowing the average Jamaican sees along the lane, not around the curve. This mental shallowness is a by-product of our political climate but hear me, JLP, if you do not convince them that the future they seek will not be attained with handouts and hugs, but with the diligent planting of policies and ideals rooted in integrity and transparency, you will lose the next election.

The bottom line, sir, is that under your leadership, the JLP has caught our attention. Consider these additional points as you continue your pursuit. The train has been a long time coming, but we can hear the toot of the horn or should I say - the chiming of the bell!

I am, etc.,

LEON FERGUSON

thegreat1_9@yahoo.com

NCU, Mandeville, Manchester

Via Go-Jamaica

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