The Daily Observer editorial of Monday, January, 4, 2016 wrote in part, “Now that the festivities associated with Christmas and the new year are over, the Government should place the holding of the parliamentary election at the top of its list of priorities.” The Observer editorial is absolutely correct. It is of paramount importance that Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller announces the general election in the shortest possible time.

The election should be held by the end of February of this year and no later. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has publicly stated that delaying the election for a lengthy period of time could harm the country’s economy, with attendant consequences for the country’s IMF programme and delayed new local and foreign investment.

The IMF, in its latest assessment of Jamaica’s economy, said uncertainties over election could create market volatility and slow the reform momentum. PM Simpson Miller must become responsible and recognise this and stop playing reckless and irresponsible partisan politics with Jamaica and the economy.

The co-chairman of Economic Programme Oversight Committee Richard Byles has also made similar comments about the need for the election to be held in the shortest time period.

Last year the PM placed the country on an election watch and the Electoral Commission of Jamaica spent some $20 million in preparation. Those millions have gone down the drain.

Jamaica needs a fixed election date. No prime minister in this country should be constitutionally allowed to serve more than two terms as PM. The Queen should be removed as head of State and be replaced with a ceremonial president. And members of parliament should not be allowed to serve as ministers of government. All serving MPs should be required to declare their annual filings publicly, and the Integrity of Members Act amended to facilitate this. An impeachment law for state and full ministers needs to be implemented and enshrined in the Jamaican Constitution.

Also, it is prime time that the salary levels for State positions be adjusted as follows: governor general ($30 million); prime minister ($25 million); deputy prime minister ($20m); minister ($15m); state minister ($12m); parliamentary secretary ($10m); MP ($8m); mayors ($8m); deputy mayor ($6m); councillor ($3m)

Jamaica requires a new, modern and equipped Parliament building with the required offices in place. Pay our elected politicians well and rigorously demand high level performance from them.

Robert Dalley

St James

robertdalley1@hotmail.com