The Editor, Sir:

Our country has been plagued by the lack of proper leadership for too long.

Anyone who wishes to solve the fundamental problems has to be willing to be unpopular. That is perhaps hard for career politicians as their ambitions are deeply embedded in seeking approval and being liked. Anyone who wants to create some change will not be liked by many and will have to prepare himself or herself to lead the people into sacrifice, selflessness and discipline. It is a herculean task and a challenge, but can be done by an effective leader - that is one with heart and one who loves God and his people more than himself.

No one person can remove us from this quagmire. It will take a unified effort to do so. I have always admired Japan's story - not a country with natural resources like Jamaica - however they have managed to harness a solid resource in their people.

Jamaicans, let us cast our eyes globally and learn from those who have been there and overcome. Let us not be ungrateful, let us count our blessings as we may find ourselves with even much less than we currently have.

I am, etc.,

V. HARTMAN

victory.hartman@gmail.com