The Editor, Sir:

I wish to respond to an article published in your paper dated Sept. 4, 2006, titled 'Clarifying the Portia euphoria'. I found most of the views expressed by the writer to be based on assumptions rather than facts.

The reality is Mrs. Manley has no real experience of living in a garrison constituency, so for her to imply that some people may scoff at a hug and a kiss but residents of such communities yearn for it is just a figment of her imagination.

Physical representation

I reside in the Prime Minister's constituency, and I'd rather see physical representation as opposed to affection. Mrs. Manley also wrote about the Prime Minister's 40 years of loyalty to her party. I would like to remind Mrs. Manley that without the support of the South West St. Andrew residents there might not have been 40 years of loyalty, so I do believe the residents, including myself, yearn for and deserve more than a hug and a kiss.

I would like to implore Mrs. Manley to visit any garrison constituency and she will find out for herself that not much has changed since the '70s when she toured with former Prime Minister Michael Manley. The people living in these communities desire much, much more, Mrs. Manley.

I am, etc.,

ENRIQUE WILLIAMS

e.williams29977@yahoo.com