Dear Editor,

Magnanimity literally means greatly generous. It is the virtue of being great of mind and heart. It encompasses, usually, a refusal to be petty, a willingness to face danger and actions for noble purposes.

After the often bitter and intense challenge for the leadership of the People’s National Party, in 2006, many thought that Portia Simpson Miller would conduct a systematic purging of the party and surround herself with supporters only. She did not. Indeed, she appointed Omar Davies, Peter Phillips, Maxine Henry-Wilson, and others who openly opposed her to her Cabinet and the Upper House.

Again, after the challenge to her leadership by Peter Phillips in 2007, Mrs Simpson Miller turned away from vindictiveness and spite. Indeed she chose to be magnanimous by appointing Peter Philips her finance minister.

The recent moves by Andrew Holness show clearly he is no Portia Simpson Miller. This is a good thing for those within the party, but viewed with much trepidation and scepticism by those outside the party. Holness continues to espouse his “smarts”, but Jamaicans know that there is a very thin line between being smart and being devious.

If he treats those within his party with such disdain, what would he do, when in the powerful position of prime minister, to those who dare to vote against him in the next general election?

M Handy

Mandeville PO

Manchester