The Editor, Sir:

Are we really ready? And even if we aren't, I am afraid the time is now!

Yes, we all know it's a man's world. But for the last several years or so, I've felt the rumbling, shifting and changing of the guard, so to speak, as women (at long last) have strategically and quite elegantly found a way to the top of the heap.

I'll admit that men are still at the helm of most of the major corporations, and most countries are still run by men. But, to borrow a phrase my sister used recently, "a little crack has opened up and we're taking our time and slipping through!"

Set to create history

John McCain's running mate is set to create history and is certainly shaking things up along the way.

I am not a fan or supporter of Sarah Palin, and I cannot, in all seriousness, support a woman just because she's a woman.

But, in reality, what I can't support is a pro-life policy which forces a rape victim to have a child, which is the product of the most violent crime she'll every experience. Nor can I support a foreign policy that is based on seeing Russia from my bedroom window!

But whatever my beliefs, if the Republicans win, Palin will become the first woman in history to be vice-president of one of the most powerful nations on earth! So, I ask, again, 'women, are we ready?'

Elite club

I've been a supporter of the People's National Party since I earned the right to vote. But I'll admit the only time I was not behind the party was when Portia Simpson Miller took over.

This was not solely a reaction to her abilities, since I had migrated by the time she took office. However, after seeing an excerpt from her 'Mi nuh fraid ah nuh man, nuh gal nuh wey' speech (which thanks to YouTube.com has been replayed worldwide), I can't say that I would have continued to support the party led by Simpson Miller.

However, I must give credit where it is due. Now that the dust has settled, who has emerged the leader of the party?

No matter my opinion of her, if Mrs Simpson Miller wins the next general election, she will join the ranks of an elite club which dares to shatter the glass ceiling of the boys' club.

And let's not forget that even though she may still have a few rough edges, she's come a long way.

So, women, stand up! Rise to the challenge and be counted! Take your rightful place, 'an mek we run tings an see if it nuh betta!'

I am, etc.,

JACKIE THOMPSON

jax_dt@hotmail.com