The Editor, Sir:

I am associating myself with your editorial of Wednesday, October 1. I followed the recent campaign in the People's National Party with far more interest and enthusiasm than I did with the general election. As a first time voter at the last elections, I made my decision quickly and early. I fell to the calls of change - and I wanted the experience of a new administration. A year later, to say the least, I am not satisfied with their performance.

It was the combination of my personal disappointment and a decision to be more considered in my voting choices that resulted in the high level of interest that I placed on the PNP elections.

Modern intellectual

Along the way, I read and listened to every ounce of information and I watched every bit of coverage on television and the Internet. Along the way, I happened on an interview with Raymond Pryce. I note, as well, my agreement with your contributor, Ian Boyne, that Raymond Pryce is indeed a modern intellectual and an asset to the People's National Party. As the campaign unfolded, I thought that he, more than any of the Team PNP spokespersons, convinced me that Portia Simpson Miller ought to have won the last general election, and that she is who I should vote for in the next general election.

As I listened to Pryce on 'All Angles' I wanted to go out and sign up to be a part of Mrs Simpson Miller's 'Progressive Agenda'. So, I am more than a little confused as to why he has been passed over for a position in the shadow Cabinet. And, as your editorial points out, the shadow Cabinet is completed by a number of 'shadowy' reputations and, quite frankly, people who I would not describe as progressive. Most of them certainly do not get the attention of my peers and counterparts on campus.

For the record, the majority of us in my classes at Northern Caribbean University would have appointed Pryce as the Opposition Spokesperson on Planning or Development. We are firmly of the opinion that he understands the needs of our generation and would sincerely be able to address them. I have to ask the question was the 'Progressive Agenda' a gimmick? When will the 'elders' step away so that our nation can progress?

I am, etc.,

JENNIFER TOMLINSON

oja.tomlinson@hotmail.com

Mandeville

Via Go-Jamaica