The Editor, Sir:

Jamaicans seeking help to decide in whose hands the future of the country should be placed must be very disappointed; for with all the electioneering brought to us by the media, neither of the contending parties seems ready, willing or able to face the public with a head-to-head debate on issues that really matter.

The press appears to be obsessed with opinion polls. Television news is content to give us the trash and trivia of partisan pep talks. Radio reports on the rage and ranting of the rivals, and all may be too willing to be purveyors of party propaganda and providers of photo opportunities for those bearing last-minute gifts, making grandiose announcements and offering old-time promises of a rose garden without prickles. Even some with deep pockets and shallow minds seem able to get wide coverage.

The American presidential election is more than a year away, yet the people there are being given opportunity to hear the candidates debate the issues.

In Jamaica, the Prime Minister could call the election tomorrow night and we the people would still be in the dark, without a 'kitchen bitch' to show us what is cooking.

It is time for the electorate to be enlightened; and for starters I suggest a public debate, with the two competing leaders examined and cross-examined by a trusted team drawn from the media, the business sector and civil society.

Let there be light. The need is urgent; the stakes are high and the issues of vital importance to the well-being of this and future generations.

I am, etc.,

KEN JONES

allerdyce@hotmail.com