The Editor, Sir:

The country is floundering under the age-old policies and systems of the past, and the current administration seems to have forgotten their flowery promises of the just concluded election. Not much has changed, crime is still the same blight and the 'better mus' come' segment of the population is still waiting for the most basic of the promises to come to fruition.

As much as I admire Mrs Simpson Miller, she and I both came of age in the same hardscrabble streets of Trench Town and Western Kingston, I will be the first to acknowledge that her short stint as leader was rather underwhelming.

As the newest breath of fresh air, Dr Phillips must seize the day and mount the challenge that will put him in a position to go after the ultimate prize. This is not the time to play coy. Jamaican politics is a rough, tough struggle and he must be fully committed to the war that is about to break out.

Very good position

I see the questions about his reasons for wanting this, and even though he has declined to engage in the partisan rhetoric, he must come correct, and respect the people he intends to lead. Too often, we see politicians go the intellectual route and dazzle the electorate with hyperbole.

Jamaica is a prize worth fighting for, and Dr Phillips is in a very good position to take us to another level.

My late mother would always say to me whenever I came home and complained about how tough it was out there, "bwoy, tek up yuh sword and fight for it". Dr Phillips, I say the same to you. Good luck.

I am, etc.,

SEYMOUR TAYLOR

staylor@sandc.com

Via Go-Jamaica