The Editor, Sir:

With the escalation of crime (especially the wanton killings), basic food costs and energy crisis, now is the time for my country to look outside the proverbial box for solutions. Every solid mind is needed in all sectors of our country and I submit the following:

(1) Both parties should agree to suspend any elections for the next three years at least.

(2) Be adult enough and pick the best minds to lead the critical ministries (be they JLP or PNP).

(3) Appoint a constitutional review board to look at our entire constitution (local and central); our system of government and its present structure as its main focus.

Receiving submissions

(4) Give the committee a two-year period to receive submissions, written and oral, via meetings in every parish. Let them put their recommendations, which will be voted on by the people, in a referendum with both political parties' approval.

(5) After the referendum, we can then give both political parties the next six months to campaign under the new system of government.

I submit, Mr Editor, with all the issues we will be having regarding sitting members of Parliament who have citizenship issues, that another general election will be counter-productive; changing ministers (like musical chairs) will not work.

Get rid of the three-letter word 'EGO' and let us all work for "Jamaica, land we all love"!

I am, etc.,

PATRICK A BECKFORD

pbeckf01@yahoo.com

Somerset, NJ

Via Go-Jamaica