Dear Editor,

I grew up in North East St Ann and even though I no longer reside in the parish much less in Jamaica at this time, I still share an affinity with the area and its people. So I find it very disappointing that the residents and citizens of North East St Ann are not afforded credible options in the by-election.

It is discourteous for politicians to treat the residents with such indifference while they deliberate and do the numbers game, saying they can’t win there. The reasons announced by the relevant parties for not running in this election send a clear message that the interests of the people are not important, but instead the interest of political parties and their egos are paramount. This relates not only to the PNP, but also to the NDM and the newly formed NNC which should be staking their claim in the ground.

The JLP should have presented a candidate with an untarnished claim to Jamaican citizenship. Is it not high time that certain standards be set for those seeking political office? Therefore, if they are ever caught in a similar situation which is in direct contravention to the constitution, should they not be either barred or banned from political office?

Sylbourne Sydial

London, United Kingdom