Dear Editor,

The two major political parties are not going anywhere any time soon. So it is my strong belief for sometime now – given the tribal nature of Jamaica’s political landscape – that the best form of government for the country, especially at this time, is a coalition of both the PNP and JLP. Although this might not be a novel idea, it certainly is a workable one. Then the country could have access to the best of both parties. Under the current system Jamaica has remained poor and underdeveloped since independence.

Under a coalition government, the country’s success or failure would be the responsibility of both parties. They would have to put the country first and foremost, not the party. The citizens would have to be told that the country cannot afford to offer free services. Free housing, free water, free electricity, free education and free health care – the country simply cannot afford it. People on both sides would be more inclined to pay their fair share of taxes because there would be no advantage or disadvantage to be gained by either side.

Victimisation would be curtailed because a formula could be worked out that both sides have access to the country’s limited resources. This would help to alleviate the garrisons’ lifestyle and mentality that are so pervasive in the country and so detrimental to its development. The people would have to be reminded that because of Jamaica’s continuous borrowing by past and present governments, most of the money in the budget is earmarked to service the country’s debt. So in order to have wealth and create jobs, the country must produce more, especially in the areas of agriculture, agro-processing and manufacturing.

Crime and violence could be brought under control because there would be no need for the parties to be aligned to criminal gangs for political enforcement. And the squatting problem would have to be looked at in a more serious, objective and meaningful fashion. It must be dealt with in a compassionate but firm way. I would be remiss, however, if I didn’t acknowledge the fact that both past and present governments are equally responsible for the sordid shape the country is in. They have both taken turns in mismanaging the country’s affairs. Jamaica deserves much better than this.

Noel Mitchell

New York, USA

nlmworld@yahoo.com