The Editor, Sir:

While I extend congratulations to the Prime Minister-designate, I will not join the chorus of those who will proffer advice to him; he has his agenda shaped by years in Opposition. Instead, I would like to point out to the incoming Government the deterioration in the respect for some of the civilised canons and signposts by which we all live and which were once the hallmark of our Jamaican people.

I will not cite the reasons why this drift has taken place. Suffice it to say, there is a role for committed leadership that displays integrity, efficiency, togetherness with the people in practising democracy and in the walk 'to build Jerusalem in Jamaica's green and pleasant land'.

We may build schools, improve the economy, have jobs and material satisfaction, but unless the people are treated to other expressions of worthwhileness than 'gimme gimme' and the end justifies the means, our country would not have lasting benefit from the change.

Our leaders have to seek to engage the Jamaican character in seeking its salvation. Don't forget development is the end game of politics, not growth for growth's sake. It is development of our people why we strive and expect our politicians to help in that striving. Development is not only to substitute frozen chicken for salt fish, but the transformation of the human person from a supine and beggarly sort to one standing tall.

I am, etc.,

MIDDLETON WILSON

Miami, Fl.

middletonwilson@bellsouth.net

Via Go-Jamaica