Dear Editor,

Permit me space in the Observer to thank Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller for exercising restraint regarding not calling an election, especially during the month of December, a traditionally time-honoured period for celebration by Christians and non-believers alike.

As Government, one would be tempted to call an election since it seems the Opposition is not ready with an alternative plan to offer themselves up for leadership.

I am more so happy that this did not happen as it is a sad reminder about the fiasco of the previous Government from 2010 – 2011, led by the obfuscation regarding the extradition saga, the mayhem in Tivoli, which was most embarrassing for us in the Diaspora seeing it was negatives about our home country.

Speaking with a number of friends and associates about the possibilities of a December election, they said it would definitely deter them from visiting relatives and friends during the Christmas Holidays — a loss of revenue to the country.

Thanks again, Madam PM, for listening to your “Master” and giving my countrymen an opportunity to celebrate the Lord’s Coming without the noise of election campaigning and advertisement, instead of holiday music and festivities.

Merry Christmas, my fellow Jamaicans.

Patrick A Beckford, OD

New Jersey, USA

pbeckf01@yahoo.com