The Editor, Sir:

EVER SINCE the 1990s Mr. Orrette Bruce Golding has been articulating the need for the reform of Jamaica's political system and has been particularly concerned with the level of the political tribalism which has been polarising the society.

After coming to grips with the fact that he, Mr. Golding, was within a political glass house and should not throw stones, his next move was to embark on a crusade for fundamental constitutional changes and other major reforms of Jamaica's political culture and practices.

Whatever one might want to think of the new Prime Minister and the Jamaica Labour Party, you can't help other than to admit that the gentleman's behaviour ever since the night of his party's victory has been highly exemplary.

The new Prime Minister's pledge of the allocation of two per cent of the annual budget to be distributed in all 60 constituencies is certainly a step in the right direction towards the dawning of a new day.

What also could be a better hope for progress towards the dawning of a new day than the ensuring by the new Prime Minister that all oversight committees of Parliament are chaired by an Opposition member in order to facilitate transparency in all Government operations.

I am sure that these are some of the positive ways and means of eradicating a great deal of the scourge of the political tribalism that has marred our beautiful island over many decades.

Mr. Golding, in his victory speech, had displayed a great deal of statesmanship by exhorting his supporters to celebrate in moderation and dignity and that they should also reach to the supporters of the People's National Party.

I am, etc.,

HOWARD THOMPSON

Los Angeles CA