Putting Jamaica first

THE EDITOR, Sir:

THE PRIME Minister recently told the people from his Eastern Westmoreland constituency, that he would never place them above the interest of this country. To me it was an effort to create the impression that he is more loyal and committed to the building of Jamaica than Edward Seaga who said on a radio call-in programme he would not put the interest of the country above the people of his West Kingston constituency.

However, I do not think Mr. Patterson's statement will confuse or mix up even the simplest voter's mind as to who is, or more committed to the building of this nation, because all Jamaicans know and fully understand that both men Patterson and Seaga represent their own constituencies, apart from that fact Mr. Patterson is also the Prime Minister of Jamaica, which makes him directly responsible for all the other constituencies.

So, Mr. Patterson's duty is to put Jamaica first and all constituencies equal. On the other hand Mr. Seaga would be acting unwisely if he said that he puts any of the other constituencies above or equal to his own constituency, especially at this time when violence took the life of more than 20 people in his constituency, where some bodies were left to be eaten by dogs.

Secondly, if Mr. Seaga is going to be Prime Minister, this cannot be done unless the people from his West Kingston vote for him to be their Member of Parliament. Maybe for a second, Mr. Patterson forgot that he too cannot be Prime Minister, unless his constituency votes for him to be Member of Parliament.

But as things are going, Mr. Patterson may lose both positions, that as Member of Parliament and Prime Minister at the same time, if he and his party (the PNP) cannot come up with plans to create more jobs, money to fix roads, a solution to the high crime rate, without burdening the common man with additional tax in any form.

I am, etc.,

BENNY WHITE

Sommers Town Road

Port Antonio P.O.

Portland

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