Dear Editor,

Some time ago I was in the company of a 60-odd and a 20-odd-year-old man. I am in my 40s, so we represent three ‘generations’.

The youngest said that the youth are dissatisfied with the People’s National Party (PNP) and Portia Simpson Miller. He said the youth believe the party has become an old dinosaur and that Simpson Miller keeps hiding and not connecting with the masses.

The 60-odd-year-old became ‘bringle’. He said the youth do not understand

I intervened and asked the elder, “Are you going to be around all the time to vote?”

I realised from this exchange that the elder generation of the PNP believe their type of politics is still in practice. The older people must realise that it is time for the youth to step forward or the PNP will remain in Opposition. For me, personally, if we do not see the likes of a Damion Crawford, Basil Waite and Raymond Pryce in the line-up for the next general election, I will again not vote. These youngsters are more vibrant and witty than those who are in charge now. The likes of a Peter Phillips, Fenton Ferguson, Bobby Pickersgill, Ronald Thwaites, Simpson Miller, et al, are all dim. They are holding the party at ransom.

I was a diehard supporter of you, Portia Simpson Miller, but I believe it’s time for her to go. And while Peter Phillips has been mentioned as a front-runner to replace Simpson Miller, I hope the delegates do not make another mistake. Yes, Peter Phillips may seem bright and articulate, but if the masses do not want him why throw him at us. This will be another disaster for the party, as I will never vote for a 70s politician, nor will many others.

Madam PSM, you might be curious as to what turned me off from you and the party. There was a Cabinet retreat some years ago, and immediately after the media approached you to comment on what went on in the meeting. Your response was that they were to talk with the responsible ministers. Come on, Madam PSM. I suspect you would have chaired that meeting, therefore, you should give us, at least, a brief on the issues. This only confirmed the mockery of the Labourites that you cannot reason on matters and that you were out of touch. I was embarrassed.

Madam PSM, you must go to redeem the party. The party has taken a nosedive under your tenure.

Delegates, please be warned, listen to the people to guide you in selecting the next leader. And lastly, the people need to see young faces.

Howart Miller

hawartmill@gmail.com