The Editor, Sir:

It seems so much was at stake in the West Portland by-election that the nation's top brass had to leave pressing matters in Kingston to spend days campaigning in the east.

I understand the significance of the election to both major political parties, still it leaves me to wonder where their priorities really lie.

We are in the middle of possibly the worst economic crisis in modern history, with barely any signs of a way out.

Yet, the prime minister, minister of finance, leader of the Opposition, among other key government and opposition figures, could be seen on television for days treading the villages, knocking on windows and doors, campaigning alongside their candidates, while Jamaica House and key ministries operated on autopilot.

Exploiting citizens

Wouldn't it have been wiser to send party chairpersons, among others, to oversee the process? It is very clear that the fight for power took precedence over addressing this country's needs. This is one more piece of evidence of how politicians from both sides continue to use and exploit citizens of this country. They stop at nothing to get inside Jamaica House and, once there, you need a magnifying glass to see the work they claim to be doing and their so-called achievements.

Does Audley Shaw mean to tell us that he had nothing more pressing to address in Kingston while this nation anxiously awaits his delivery to Parliament on the next Budget?

Has the leader of the opposition already prepared a solid address outlining the plight of the people she cares so much about and taking this government to task for the poor job they have been doing for the past 18 months?

Country important

Has the prime minister put enough work into making a meaningful address to his 'servant', to reassure us that "this too shall pass"? Have all three come together and met to come up with solutions for those who have lost their jobs?

What are the plans to fix the mess in public health institutions overrun with people desperately seeking 'free' health care? We are weeks away from the hurricane season: are the drains cleaned? This by-election was important, but so is our country.

I am, etc.,

Ann-Marie Campbell

marieanncampbell@gmail.com