As I watched the swearing in of a new American president, I am struck by the obvious differences that made him such a phenomenon during the long, exhausting campaign. His superior attributes set him head and shoulders above the rest of the field and to the surprise of only a few, he easily lapped the field. It seemed that for a person like him to be successful the time had to be right for the drastic change to be absorbed by the people who were going to vote for him.

This brings me to our situation in Jamaica regarding the new appointee to the post of governor general. Dr Patrick Allen seems to be one very exemplary person. A Jamaican who has served his family, his church and his country well. I am sure that he will do a great job despite the misgivings of some. This letter is not about Dr Allen however. It is about Jamaica and its ties to the past.

We achieved independence over 46 years ago, and for good reasons. Why are we still acting as if the Queen of England cares about us ? Do we really need to have a governor general? What is the cost in real dollars to keep up the relationship with the Crown. Do we really need to have the Queen's representative and the rubber stamp of approval?

New course

At this time in our history, we might need to chart a new course and re-evaluate some of the heavy reliance on the British system of government.

America has made the change, and we should not be afraid to question some of the things we do. Like the new president, we are different, we are smart and we are heads and shoulders above the rest. Certainly, the time for national introspection is now and we have a chance to strike a blow for our future as an independent country.

I am, etc.,

SEYMOUR TAYLOR

Illinois, USA