The Editor, Sir:

As long as I have known politics in Jamaica, it has remained unchanged and unchallenged, neglecting to meet the needs of the people; a system encouraged by one group, disabled by political association, and another group, deluded by decades of neglect.

I believe that it's time for young people to be the agents of change in Jamaica.

Too long have they sat on the sidelines and watched the winds of dillusionment and corruption deprive the country of serious and sincere leadership that should address the needs of the people and not the greed of politicians.

Young people have the strength, tenacity and uncorrupted vision to demand serious change. If anyone will question this possibility, history is a testament to the change that young people can create.

Consider the civil rights movement of the 1960s in the United States when it was college students who organised sit-ins and protested against the government, standing brave in the face of danger.

In 2008, young people, frustrated with the decisions of President George W. Bush, are voicing their disapproval and standing up to the most powerful country in the world.

Bring new ideas

I believe that young people will give new ideas to a political system that has remained the same for so long.

As long as I have known politics in Jamaica, I have heard the same names and seen the same system fail, using the same solutions. Yet, after years of neglect, we are put to sleep and have shown confidence in a system that never worked in the first place.

With more young people participating in the political system, we can try new solutions to our problems and create new systems and give them a chance to work.

Deserving of accolades are a few young people in Jamaica who are frustrated with the status quo and are active in trying to change the political process.

But I believe that Jamaica needs young people to unite in masses because strength can be found, not only in unity, but also in number.

I believe it's time that our young people put their minds together and make the change that the previous generation could not make. With a united voice and a new vision for the common good of Jamaica, young people can create a change that we have never seen before.

I am, etc.,

NYRON BLAKE

nyronbake@yahoo.com