Manatt issue now storm in a teacup
Dear Editor,
The rehash of the Manatt, Phelps and Phillips issue is neither here nor there. In essence, nothing new has come about. Prime Minister Bruce Golding has already, through Parliament and by national broadcast, explained to the country details of the law firm’s engagement, expressed profound regret, apologised for the whole affair and set out a far-reaching atonement package. The atonement package ranged from measures to reverse political tribalism and garrisons, passing the anti-crime bills, to laws that will regulate party financing. Much progress has already been made.
Generation 2000 (G2K), in a May 2010 press release had said that, “Political leaders who have the stomach to be fully honest, at their own political peril are rare, and we think it would be strange and perhaps a bit unwise to seek to punish those who choose to do so. Having laid the cards squarely on the table, the prime minister has reopened the door that holds full honesty and transparency. The positive direction that can now be achieved for Jamaica is profound, and his honesty and forthrightness has ensured that Prime Minister Bruce Golding continues to enjoy the full support and endorsement of G2K.” We continue to stand by that position.
It has been several months and it is high time that we focus more seriously on issues of national importance, including game-changing and very successful crime-fighting initiatives that have seen significant reductions in major crimes, including murder and the stabilisation and transformation of the economy in a very volatile and depressed world economy. Further, government-led game-changing intiatives in education, agriculture, energy and tourism will poise Jamaica favourably for sustained medium and long-term growth and development.
No government in Jamaica’s history has ever achieved so much under such tremendously difficult circumstances. None!
Delano Seiveright
President
Generation 2000
Kingston