The Editor, Sir:

Just before writing this letter I viewed an interview of Prime Minister Golding on BBC's Hard Talk aired on May 20.

I would just like to commend Mr Golding on how he handled himself during the interview, the manner in which he answered the, sometimes, difficult questions posed to him and how he made me proud as a young Jamaican to see our leader represent us as a nation on the world stage.

highlight the good

It is not a matter of political affiliation, as I am a 23-year-old adult who has never voted and considers himself politically neutral. But, far too often, we come down on our leaders hard when they fail us but we rarely highlight the good things they do for our country, even if it is as simple as representing us properly when foreign eyes are focused upon us.

I have learnt a lot about many initiatives that our PM is in the process of getting done to correct the problems in our country.

I salute you, Mr Golding. You are an inspiration.

I am, etc.,

KELROY BROWN

wakatta@gmail.com

Kingston 2

Via Go-Jamaica

... But caution advised

The Editor, Sir:

Understandably, our PM took the 'politically correct' route in addressing whether he would allow gays in his Cabinet. He was adamant in his responses, by saying 'not mine!' to questions posed as to whether he'd allow a homosexual to form a part of his Cabinet.

But, I wonder, would our PM's response be the same, if a few months ago (say in December), if this were about the issue of 'dual citizenship'? If he were asked, "would you allow a person with dual citizenship to serve as a member of your Cabinet?" his response probably would have been, "not mine (if I knew about it)!".

be cautious

What if it is now discovered that a homosexual is a member of the Cabinet? Would our PM claim ignorance, make special provisions, or would he dismiss that member? The point I'm making is, it is very unlikely that our PM is absolutely sure about the sexual orientation of ALL the members of his Cabinet (just as how he wasn't about their citizenship status), and he should be cautious as to how he approaches this matter.

It would be embarrassing if he were "caught with his pants down" because of statements he made in the interview.

I am, etc.,

TROUY STANBERRY

Trouy.Stanberry@nla.gov.jm

'Ignorant comments'

The Editor, Sir

I can only express my deepest regrets about what must be described as our prime minister's ignorant comments regarding gay rights - made on the international stage. While I no longer live in Jamaica, I continue to take pride in and defend my home country, even when it is counter-intuitive, in rationalising Jamaica's stance against homosexuality.

little understanding

While I strongly disagree with this stance, I can understand it. This kind of understanding, I believe, is what we need as humans, as a country, and as a people to move forward in a harmonious manner. However, I believe Mr Golding has shown very little understanding and leadership on the gay rights front.

Strong leadership is shown by protecting the weak and the marginalised; strong leadership is making tough decisions, however unpopular; strong leadership is divorcing your personal preferences to exercise logic and fairness in decision making; strong leadership is what Mr Golding has failed to show in this regard.

I am, etc.,

R.RICHARDS

irateu30@hotmail