The Editor, Sir:

With reference to the article published in the Jamaica Gleaner Online, Wednesday June 16, appropriately titled, 'Phillips blames political system for nation's crises', it is tantamount to a confession.

It should have been a relief to hear Dr Peter Phillips place the blame of Jamaica's failures as he did on its political system, but he did not go far enough.

I agree with his diagnosis, as he is indeed admitting to what is already a well known fact.

It is unfortunate that he did not advance the argument further on identifying individuals or why the two political parties conspired to unleash decades of chronic economic woes, corruption and terror on the good citizens of Jamaica.

What role did the former Minister of National Security play in this conspiracy of the parties to wreck Jamaica?

If Dr. Phillips is serious about becoming that transformational leader, as I assume he is positioning himself, then it would be logical that he should continue this enlightening conversation.

As a candidate for the presidency of the People's National Party, he would certainly be perceived as one of a new generation of leaders if he pledges to abandon or to transform his garrison constituency. To highlight the obvious, then continue with business as usual appears to be disingenuous.

Identify solutions

Politicians should not conveniently identify systemic problems that they aided in creating, and articulate hypothetical solutions, solely for political expediency.

The reason is that all have refused to take corrective actions when the opportunity presents itself. The Jamaican electorate should be made aware of this ruse. It is the same old politics of bait and switch.

I do want to thank Dr Phillips for opening this conversation and hope that even more candidates will make themselves available for the presidency of Norman Manley's party.

The party is in need of innovative ideas, new energy and inspirational leadership. In the midst of them all, a true leader may emerge.

Price to pay

The Jamaican people ought to be exhausted from being hoodwinked by ambitious politicians and deceptive rhetoric.

There is a price that all Jamaicans pay for the status quo. It is measured in migration, poverty, crime and death. It is treasonous for our political parties to have brought this 'crisis' on the good people of Jamaica.

I am, etc.,

VINTON M. GRANT

rugsdat@ppeoj.org