LETTER OF THE DAY - 'Garrison voters' must have no say in elections

The Editor, Sir:

All the garrisons that have been identified in Jamaica (and we all know them) are to be disenfranchised. In other words, withhold their right to vote. In order to be able to vote, they must prove eligibility and to do that they must not only have TRN and a valid ID, but must also show proof of residence, proof of income, proof of bill payments, proof of land taxes (where relevant) and have no criminal record. I do not think that persons who are not contributing to society in a positive way should have a say in who has a seat in Parliament.

Persons who do not qualify for voting will become special wards of the State as they cannot show that they can 'mine' themselves in a legal and dignified manner and so need the protection of the State. We have to protect them from themselves and from becoming pawns for politicians and dons.

Informal settlements ('capture-land' communities) should also be disenfranchised and become wards of the State, especially when they cannot prove that they can fend for themselves. We do not want any informal group of people to step in the gap to fill this need. The agents of government such as Planning Institute of Jamaica and Urban Development Corporation, along with representatives of the two major political parties, are to form an oversight committee that evaluate the needs of these people in order to spur a "change from within" campaign.

This is where persons who are on the social-welfare programme will be educated, trained and employed (preferably self-employed). These persons will become self-reliant and empowered to turn to a more dignified and worthwhile way of life and livelihood. Then they can vote again and this time, vote on issues instead of on who can buy them curry goat and liquor.

Voilà! ... no more garrisons.

I am etc.,

Z. McLean

Linstead, St Catherine