The Editor, Sir:

"The imposition of defeated candidate Joan Gordon-Webley as head of a state body may also undermine the Prime Minister's pre-election rhetoric. Further, political pay-off is in stark display by the appointment of Shirley Williams and her brother, Louis Williams, who are self-confessed Jamaica Labour Party activists, as head of Air Jamaica and the Urban Development Corporation, respectively" - according to Caribbean Policy Research Institute (CaPRI), Sunday Gleaner December 23.

We note with interest that under the former administration this was prevalent and that many people appointed had no expertise in areas to which they were appointed (unlike Shirley and Louis, well-established business people with years of experience) which led to high levels of corruption and serious budget overruns. Capri was silent on this matter.

Intellectual political activists

Finally, we ask the question are there any intellectual political activists in CaPRI , past and present, who behind closed doors and openly on the campaign trail have supported either the National Democratic Movement or the People's National Party? The use of Intellectual Professional Objectivity to mislead and criticise the government in some countries is viewed as high treason.

CaPRI you are a disappointment, but having read many of your papers, I should not really be surprised at your stance; As your friends at Langley and Quantico, Virginia, United States, would be very proud of your article in question.

I am, etc.,

CHARLES DEMONTAQUE

charlesdemontaque@yahoo.co.uk.