The Editor, Sir:

The time has come for much-needed but unpopular changes to the socio-economic conditions prevailing in Jamaica - in other words, it's time for 'bitter medicine'. For too long successive administrations have rescheduled these inevitable adjustments in the name of political expediency, but they can be postponed no more.

Bitter medicine is essential if Jamaica is to return from the brink. Bruce Golding seems to have come to this realisation, but will he have the political will to administer this medicine? Erskine Sandiford in Barbados paid the political price in the early 1990s but Barbados is better for his actions. Golding must now prove himself a patriot and follow that lead whatever the political outcome, for what is at stake is the future of Jamaica.

In fact, Golding is starting at the right place - the present Cabinet must be tailored to the realities Jamaica faces today.

The next step should be the trimming of a highly inefficient and notoriously wasteful public sector. As the prime minister, said the red tape in the public sector is a hindrance to growth and development. The following step must be the complete divestment of 'national assets' that are a constant drain on the public purse - Air Jamaica, Sugar Corporation of Jamaica and Jamaica Urban Transit Company must be divested to free up much needed resources for national development.

Interest rates must be lowered to encourage the development of small to medium enterprises. Bring on the International Monetary Fund and the conditionalities for, as Michael Manley said decades ago, Jamaica must "eat what we grow and grow what we eat". Our import bill must be reduced while increasing exports for, as Robert Lightbourne said decades ago, "produce or die".

True patriot

These are important but unpopular changes to Jamaica's socio-economic landscape, but Mr Golding, if you are a true patriot, now is the time for action; history will absolve you. Our society at large understands the predicament that we all face, so while there will be some rancour and even dissension in the ranks, the majority of Jamaicans will welcome these changes, knowing fully well they are in our children's best interest.

Rise to the occasion, Mr Golding.

I am, etc.,

PHILLIP CHAMBERS

phillipdcchambers@yahoo.com

East Queens Park

Greater Portmore

StCatherine