OPPOSITION Leader Andrew Holness has received support from Jamaica Observer online readers for his suggestion that the Portia Simpson Miller-led Government should be prepared to sacrifice just as much as it wants Jamaicans to do in order for the country to meet the requirements for an agreement with the International Monetary Fund. Among the sacrifices, Holness recommended, is a reduction in the size of Simpson Miller's 20-member Cabinet — one of the largest in Jamaica's history. Below are some edited comments.

DT

Ever since Bruce Golding took a paycut and asked the JLP (Jamaica Labour Party) MPs to follow suit, I have been calling on the PNP (People's National Party) to do the same. Instead, they buy expensive cars and continue to operate [with] a large Cabinet. The real problem is the people of Jamaica; we can't see this selfishness on the part of the Government. We continue to put them in office and expect them to do better. One definition on insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. It seems we Jamaicans are a bunch of insane people.

jayjayja

I agree with the Opposition; the Government must be prepared to band dem belly too. I cannot understand how the media have been so kind to this inept Government. While the PM and the finance [minister] are giving us the tough medicine, one minister will be enjoying soca music in Trinidad. So much for sensitivity.

Kwamie

Based on the PNP's very corrupt history, I doubt they will lead by example with downsizing [the] Cabinet much less a paycut. We just need to void this ineffective Government and start from scratch.

Dav

Unquestionably, I agree with Mr Holness on this position. Why must we deal with increased cost of living and be advised by the Gov't to "prepare for hard times" when they aren't even considering the same?

Less than two years and I am now extremely tired of this Administration.

Enos Anderson

Will the PNP follow the example set by the previous Administration and take a personal pay cut? Hell no! They are too wrapped up in their personal lofty lifestyle to take a pay cut, but without shame they will be asking the average and poor Jamaicans to make more sacrifices. I am willing to make whatever sacrifice necessary to rescue my beloved country from bankruptcy but not while [they are] living like kings and queens.

bobo

Simple. Real leaders lead by example.

Gee Scott

Absolutely, a fair request in any austerity process, to achieve longer-term progress. The current admin is going on as if all is well, while the country his heading into a parked truck. Politics is not about amassing wealth, but ensuring all people have access to the basics in life. Our currency is continuing to lose value, pensions is a joke! How can people get pension without contributing? MPs get full pension after two terms without contributing a penny from the huge salaries they pull down... no country can shoulder that.. not even wealthy ones! It's sad the immense burden placed on Jamaican people. It's only a matter of time [before] the next exodus begins!

Ann-Marie Rose

Well, remember that it was said (when the SUV costs were brought to light) that politicians left a good standard to take up political posts. So, it was implied that it was only fair for them to live big off us the taxpayers who are supposed to live small, while the country goes through troubles. Dear Lord, please give us leaders who will sacrifice...

MIKE

Mr Holness gets up and attack the PNP every week, yet he does not have a plan or a vision for Jamaica. He gets the worse beating in the general and the local [elections]. He needs to give it up or the party will spend another 15 yrs in the wilderness complaining about everything and anything.

chuck emanuel

These were the same campaign content that brought the now Opposition to power in 2007. Well, what happened?

Karl Henry

@chuck emanuel: Can't you say anything positive and partial? Why should the rest of the country sacrifice and the Administration gets off free.