Dear Editor,

Politicians should exhibit leadership by showing that they are serious about national development.

One area that is often ignored is the transport sector. Despite discussions, little has been done to ensure the formalisation of transport operators.

For example, all taximen and bus operators must be registered and pay monthly taxes. Verification of payment will be indicated by a stamp on vehicles. Additionally, all employees in the transport sector must be required to wear uniforms, because some players do not present themselves well. Further, there is no use for “loadermen”. Loadermen are not only harassing passengers, but several of them are of questionable character. Younger loadermen ought to be recruited into the HOPE Programme, while the older ones should be encouraged to seek employment elsewhere. The Government could assist them to find jobs as security guards; however, those who refuse will simply face the penalty for continuing to harass commuters.

In addition, Half-Way-Tree demands more receptacles to dispose of garbage. As a major transit point, it is simply too disgusting. Dr Christopher Tufton, being the minister with responsibility for wellness has to leverage his marketing skills to dissuade Jamaicans from littering. Half-Way-Tree is also a haven for criminals; hence, policemen have to boost their presence in the region. Closing the Mandela Park could be an appropriate strategy to minimise criminal elements in Half-Way-Tree; since unscrupulous people are known to frequent the area. Leadership is necessary to transform Jamaica. Therefore, if politicians are unable to impose higher standards of conduct, then they should resign.

Lipton Matthews

lo_matthews@yahoo.com