The Editor, Sir:

I want to congratulate Mrs Simpson Miller on her victory once again as leader of the People's National Party. I hope that finally the party can unite, come together and work as one. All the bickering needs to stop if the PNP hopes to be in power one day again. Unite, work with your leader, this is not about you, but about what is best for the Jamaican people.

On many occasions, I have heard individuals speak about Mrs Simpson Miller in such a derogatory manner. She is talked about as someone "who has limited education, has little political experience, is referred to as incompetent and said to be "ghetto in her demeanour". Whenever I hear such statements made I find them really funny. Since we became independent in 1962 Jamaica has been run by persons whom we consider to be educated intellectuals, and what have they done? They have ruined our little island.

grass-roots leader

Maybe it is time to have a leader from the grass roots, someone who understands the majority of the Jamaican population and what we have to go through. I strongly believe that the current government is more for the wealthy; it sees to the needs of those who have and ensure that they continue to profit. They give these individuals and their businesses the leeway to do whatever it is they please; and that is so sad because if we are not careful just as how the American economy is collapsing under the current government so too will the Jamaican economy.

We do not expect that within five years or 10 years that the Jamaican economy will be perfect, but we need to see some light shed. I think my biggest problem with this administration is that they made all these ridiculous promises about free education and health care and then tried to keep these promises and just made the economy worse.

try to rebuild

For 17 years the country was under another government! What you should have done Mr Golding when you got into power was to see the damage that was done, try to rebuild the economy, and then try to offer these benefits when the country was able to afford it. This is not about scoring points with the people, it is about doing what is best for the country. There is a saying, 'If yuh want good yuh nose haffi run'. Well in order to get back our economy certain sacrifices have to made and we have to start soon.

Mrs Simpson Miller, I wish you all the best in your role as president of the People's National Party and possibly one day again as leader of the nation. Hats off to you, 'Sister P'. As a woman you make me proud for all the adversities you have overcome and will continue to overcome. You are a strong woman. May God continue to bless you.

I am, etc.,

TRACY-ANN HUTCHINSON

spicytracy83@yahoo.com

Via Go-Jamaica