Dear Editor,

As both major political parties make their way across the island, it has become unquestionably real that the election season is here. Like all other campaigns in our history, these political rallies are being used to shore up the support of the respective political bases. And, while both parties claim to want the support of the uncommitted, nothing either has said thus far appeals to that fraction of the population.

To be unmistakably clear, as a member of the working class, I’m so far unimpressed and neither parties has so far given a reason why they should be in Jamaica House. To say that both parties have been missing the mark would be an understatement. I am still waiting on the speakers to get to the real issues, but instead they’ve so far focused on who is more physically fit and who is better at speaking.

I want to hear Andrew Holness and Portia Simpson Miller go head to head about the economy, up front and personal about education, health care reform, foreign direct investments, and job creation — the real facts, not just promises. Give us something more than what has become the expected political rhetoric.

Jamaicans are looking for a different type of politics, one where issues are being discussed. Let’s discuss housing for young professionals, a rebirth of real Jamaican tourism, entrepreneurship, and the white elephant in the room, crime. For the love of our nation and for the sake of a new Jamaica, give us more. Raise the level of the conversation and challenge the voting population to take our issues to the polls.

Rohan D B Walsh

St Andrew

bryanwalsh@hotmail.com