The Editor, Sir:

We need to change the focus of our election campaign from the existing historical pattern that takes us nowhere. I would like to believe that it is not because we are going 'nowhere' or that our political leaders desire to take us 'nowhere'.

But, if we think and speak the language of 'nowhere', we will likely believe it and end up in yet another cycle that takes us nowhere.

I make reference to the central focus, so far, of this campaign rhetoric. The People's National Party has sadly fallen into the trap of allowing the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) to set its agenda by accepting a position of defending and vehemently affirming the rhetoric, 'not changing course'.

In a nation that is in serious crisis in nearly every area - leadership, economy, education, health, crime, drugs and corruption, social and moral fabric - notwithstanding somegains made, given the state of the nation, we cannot afford to be saying 'not changing course'.

Then, there is the JLP's response, 'We must change course'. Yet, no clarity of vision on changing course is being given. At this time, the focus cannot be centred around whether to change course or not. The truth is, the nation must change, and change fast, or else serious calamity awaits us on the horizon. Our leaders on both sides should know that.

The nation desperately needs to make a fresh start. We need to clean up our act and reset the foundations because much of what we have built socially, politically, and economically must be torn down and remodelled in order to create a new Jamaica.

The question the nation ought to be considering in looking at the two parties offering themselves for governance in our next political cycle is, which party is able, willing and committed to disrupting the status quo, removing much of what exists and giving the nation a fresh start on the solid foundation as envisioned by our founding fathers - that of love, truth and justice in a prosperous economic environment.

Let the party that can deliver a fresh start for Jamaica step forward. If not, 'tek weh yuself', you have nothing to offer.

I am, etc.,

AL MILLER

Pastor