Dear Editor,

Let’s face it – the two major political parties are not going anywhere any time soon. So it is my strong belief, for some time now, that given the tribal nature of Jamaica’s political landscape, the best form of government for the country, especially at this time, is a coalition of both the PNP and JLP – “A Government of National Unity”.

Although this might not be a novel idea, it certainly is a workable idea; then the country can have access to the best of both political parties; because under the current Westminster system the country hasn’t had a lot of economic success pre- or post-Independence. The country was always poor and underdeveloped. Kingston, the capital, with its vast potential for development is a prime example.

The good thing about this form of governance is whether the country’s policies fail or succeed would be the responsibility and accountability of both parties. They would have to put the country first and foremost, and not party. Neither would there be any sabotage for political gain. The constituents of both parties would have to be told the truth that the country cannot run on free. 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 and therefore would help to alleviate the garrison lifestyle and mentality that are so detrimental to the country’s development. The people would have to be reminded that because of the country’s aggressive borrowing policy 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 job creation the country must produce more, especially in the areas of agriculture, agro-processing and manufacturing.

In time, crime and violence could be brought under control because there would be no need for the parties to be aligned to criminal gangs. And the squatting problem would have to be looked at in a more serious and objective fashion. I would be remiss, though, 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. Come to think of it, Jamaica deserves much better than that.

Noel Mitchell

New York, USA

Nlmworld @yahoo.com