THE EDITOR, Sir:

Any political party that has served 70 years of existence has a lot to celebrate. In the case of the People's National Party (PNP), however, the spirit of celebration is being dampened by the present power struggle.

The founding of the PNP in September 1938 coincided with the visit of an English statesman Sir Stafford Gripps who was invited to address the party faithful.

He had this to say: "If you have a piano that is not giving you the desired sound, don't destroy the piano, simply get rid of the pianist."

Service above self

The present power struggle within the PNP goes against the very grain of what its founder Norman Manley stood for, service above self.

In the formative years of this great political movement Mr Manley was surrounded by a cadre of academics and trustworthy men.

It must be remembered that Norman Manley lost against Fagan, but Dr Ivan Lloyd marshalled the role of the PNP in opposition until 1949 when Mr Manley won a seat in the House of Representatives.

It cannot be denied that the PNP was heavily supported by the middle class until the Michael Manley era.

Norman Manley knew what it was to bring synergies between the Drumblair and common-man philosophy in order to be victorious at the polls .

I am, etc.,

WINSTON R. BLAKE

Lacovia, St Elizabeth