The Editor, Sir:

As experienced a politician as he is, Bruce Golding blundered by raising the charisma issue. After all, this is Jamaican politics.

During the 1970s Jamaica was led by the most charming of all, The Most Honourable Michael Manley. He became Prime Minister because the PNP at that time presented itself as the agent of social and legislative reform and it appealed to the masses.

Of course, Manley delivered on his commitment to the people by implementing his social agenda which included the establishment of a national minimum wage, maternity leave with pay, the right of workers to join trade unions, the establishment of the National Housing Trust, a land reform programme, a national literacy programme that vigorously promoted education at all levels, and, arguably his most popular piece of legislation, a Status of Children Act, which ended discrimination against childrenborn out of wedlock.

Increase in apathy level

The Seaga and Patterson years were mostly dedicated to the economy and infrastructure respectively, but both failed to facilitate the 'trickle down' effect where it matters most - in the lives of the have nots. As a result, there has been an increase in the level of apathy and sharp declines in the margins of victory, both in Parliament and in constituencies.

I would love to see the Jamaica Labour Party sell its policies without the use of charisma and charm.

All in all, the politics of Jamaica has not yet matured to the level where issues are on the forefront and until that day, elections will be won first by the likeability of the leader of each party and second that of their candidates.

I am, etc.,

ALRIC CAMPBELL

campbell.ar@hotmail.com

Portmore, St. Catherine