The Editor, Sir:

During her budget presentation on the first of May, the Prime Minister made mention of this country's civil service and how she intends to fix the problems facing ordinary Jamaicans when we have to deal with these public entities.

It is my belief that the civil service of this country is a replica of colonialism, and exists only to frustrate Jamaicans, especially the poor, marginalised citizens of this country. I have had to deal with civil servants in a certain ministry in this country and have come to one conclusion: they exist only to serve their own self-interest and not the interest of the citizens of this country.

During colonialism the state existed only to protect the interest of the bourgeoisie and keep the proletariat in their place. Thus the representatives or the state ensured that the efforts of the ordinary Jamaicans would come to nought. Colonialism has long ended, but the system that existed then still exists today. The ordinary citizens of this country are not important, they are fools, they are not educated enough, they do not know persons in high places. So why not give them the biggest runaround of their lives? Let us ensure we keep them in their places; and where is that? At the bottom of the social ladder. Our duty is to make their life a living hell.

You will never know how hard it is to get them to sign that piece of paper that you need to start that business, or pay you your retroactive money until you have to deal with one of these entities. That is why many persons find it much easier to make a living when they break the rules. In this country, there is no reward for obeying the law. Dr. Peter Phillips is reported to have said, "In this country the man who plays by the rules gets shafted." This is our reward.

Our Prime Minister always, when it suits her, reminds us that she is from the masses and she cares about the poor. So if she should be our Prime Minister after the election, the best thing she can do for us the poor is to carry out a reform of the civil service. Time-wasting, incompetent, outdated, ineffective, inefficient, a grand waste of taxpayer's money - these and more can be said about our civil service.

Our civilised civil service is a replica of colonialism and needs urgent attention. History is replete with lessons Madam P.M. that frustration and hopelessness experienced by the masses always leads to a revolution.

I am, etc.,

SHANE REID

Chance Hill district

Bombay P.A.

Manchester