Demand fresh elections
Published:Saturday | May 29, 2010 | 12:00 AM
The Editor, Sir:
The issue of the prime minister's and indeed the entire government's resignation should be brought urgently back to the front burner, as every passing day demonstrates that they really have no clue in managing the state of affairs at this time, or in the foreseeable future. At the core of my argument is the issue of trust - no well-thinking Jamaican can trust this government again.
The prime minister speaks of new ways of approaching the systemic issue of garrisons, etc, but there cannot be any new ways with the same man in charge. For the first time in my life I am beginning to feel apprehensive about travelling abroad, as the news coverage we have been getting overseas makes me wonder how I will be received at the port of entries of the countries I visit.
Now is the time for all Jamaicans to stand up for our democracy, because this is at the heart of it. When we give our vote freely to one party or the other we are giving our trust, and when that trust is squandered to protect the interest of a reputed don it makes our collective stomach churns on an emptiness of betrayal.
New elections
It is time to turn back to us, the people, and ask if we want to continue with the status quo. So I call on the prime minister to resign and call new elections. If the people vote in the present government, so be it. The recent election in Trinidad and Tobago points the way forward. the Manning Government was accused of widespread corruption and he called fresh elections to see if the people concurred with the allegations.
Evidently, they did, as he lost the election, but he has maintained his reputation as someone who believes in democracy and the judgement of his people. We should demand nothing less from our own prime minister.
I am, etc.,
WINSTON D. BARRETT
Kingston 6