The Editor, Sir:

Your newspaper of December 14, on Page A3, reported that "the PNP's Donald Rhodd accused many of the councillors sworn in as having got their position through intimidation and bribery".

I said "some" of the councillors and not "many".

Attached, please find the text of my remarks which will put the whole thing in context.

EXCERPT FROM TEXT

"This morning, as I sat and meditated in preparation for what I would say to you today, as is customary, I opened my Bible with the hope that God would guide me to a verse of inspiration for today's activity.

"The first verse which caught my eye was Luke 23:34: Then said Jesus, 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do'.

"It is against this background that I congratulate the councillors who have been sworn in today.

"As you chart a path towards working together, foremost in your minds and hearts must be the need for forgiveness and reconciliation. This, I submit, is necessary since some of you have been elected under very questionable circumstances.

"Those who have been involved in bribery and intimidation should realise that their actions have undermined our democracy, which has been built by the blood, sweat and tears of tens of thousands of individuals.

"The majority of persons in this country, who are descendants of slaves, must do all in our power to preserve the rich legacy of the right to vote and free and fair elections and not sell this right to some of the descendants of the planter class, many of whom are contributing to the development of this country. Buyers and sellers of votes should be exposed by those of us who are interested in preserving our democracy.

"While that is being done, work must continue to safeguard the hard- won gains of our citizens.

"Within that context, cooperation is going to be needed between the two political parties and collaboration is going to be required with all sectors of our society.

"No Prime Minister or government of Jamaica should ever think that governance can be successful, in our country, without encouraging and facilitating a spirit of cooperation and without engendering an environment for collaboration.

"Every Jamaican has the potential to contribute to the successful development of this country, whether he or she is PNP, JLP or no P.

"Our leaders from all walks of life - whether they be politicians, civil servants, or from faith-based groups, academia, industry or commerce - must begin to engender a culture which enables each Jamaican to work at his or her full potential for our beloved country.

"I challenge the Portland Parish Council to send a signal to the rest of Jamaica and begin to embrace these ideals.

"I look forward to working with you as we continue to serve our people and Jamaica, land we love."

I am, etc.,

Dr. DONALD RHODD

MP