THE EDITOR, Sir:

REFLECTING ON the political journey of Jamaica through the past two decades, it dawned on me that as citizens, we should express our gratitude to the leaders of the nation that have steered us through the many and varied tasks and experiences of those years. There have been successes and failures.

We must not forget that out of experiences of failure, disappointment, darkness, disaster, etc., success arises and that heroes and heroines are born. Also, Jamaica has gained the spotlight of the world in many areas. The crime situation must, however, be eradicated as it casts a blot on all Jamaicans.

Leaders of the nation, and especially parliamentarians on whom the spotlight is now cast, the world is watching you. The nation you represent and the people you serve look to you for the kind of leadership which carries with it the dignity, commitment and dedication which Jamaicans need to display at this time.

As you reach out in service to touch the lives of others near and far, may you come to know true humility interspersed with wisdom, understanding, courage and love with goodwill. May you be sources of peace - calm like that which can be present in the eye of a storm, but at the same time transmitting its ripples and waves far and wide to those along the shores.

Then, "let not him that girdeth on his armour boast himself as he that putteth it off". Nobody at this time, can afford to relieve himself of that armour which he has been called upon to wear.

I am, etc.,

ADA PEART

Slipe Road

Kingston 5