The chance for real change

The Editor, Sir:

Prime Minister Golding's handling of the Christopher Coke extradition affair has created a critical situation for Jamaicans. Of course, shame and outrage are palpable among those who believed Mr Golding was, perhaps because of his magnanimous pre-election pronouncements, the proverbial Moses ready to lead the nation into a new era of post-garrison political maturity, and anger is, justifiably, rife across the land. But as this ugly situation continues to unfold, we, including the prime minister, would do well to contemplate the opportunities with which this predicament presents us.

Are we as the population of a country sinking deeper each day into crises of all sorts going to simply continue our call for change without recognising that this is, without doubt, the perfect opportunity to bring about that change? Will we allow the issues of the day to fade away like so many before, or are we willing to stand up now and declare that we demand only the best leadership from our political appointees, no matter which party they are from? Will we speak out now, or wait for others to do so? Will we make our voices heard or will we continue to complain in our respective corners while life in what was once paradise continues to unravel?

Bruised beyond repair?

For Mr Golding, now bruised perhaps beyond redemption as far as public perception goes, this is the moment to take grasp of his destiny and legacy, not only as a politician, but as Bruce Golding, the man. His actions going forward will show the nation, his family and friends what kind of person he really is. Will he, as is widely expected, ignore the outrage of so many of those who elected him to office, rally his political minions to defend him and his actions at all costs, and hold on to his seat in office as long as possible?

Or will he answer those who say he lacks character and decency by respecting the office of prime minister enough to walk away from it for risk of compromising the people's respect for the post?

Does he have the strength of character to stand up and take his blows like a man? What will the yet-to-be-born descendants of the Golding line, in researching their family history, read of their forefather Bruce Golding? Will they read that he was a man who admitted his mistakes and put his country before self? Or will they conclude that he was just another power-hungry politician who refused to admit his foibles and clutched the reins of power for as long as humanly possible? Time will indeed tell how the actions we all take now will determine our destiny.

I am, etc,

READY FOR CHANGE

Kingston

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