Dear Editor,

As our leaders compete in this politically charged environment, with catchy political songs and speeches, my evaluation of Jamaican politics goes much deeper than that.

I refer you to my research study on ProQuest: Factors influencing voting behaviours in two inner city communities in Jamaica.

Consequently, I can only be swayed by facts and personal experiences and those of my friends and associates, lived out before my eyes over decades and available in records like those housed at Statistical Institute of Jamaica (Statin).

There is no masking the truth. If we want real change in Jamaica we have to be honest with ourselves in evaluating the veracity, using established facts.

Of concern is the tendency of both major political parties to announce crime-fighting measures that I see as cover-ups. A sincere solution to Jamaica’s real problems can be found in the implementation of my proposal of sustainable empowerment that was endorsed by two presidents of Northern Caribbean University when I presented it at its annual symposium. Otherwise, behaviours are not going to change and Government after Government is going to be spending huge sums of money that will not be sustainable.

I love Jamaica, but that doesn’t mean I’m not saddened by the narrow-mindedness of her leaders. I’m perplexed by what I know — and the politicians are aware that many people know. Yet, Government after Government chooses the band-aid approach for issues that require major surgery.

Until we have leaders like Lee Kuan Yew and Ibrahim Traore, Jamaica will never be delivered from crime and some other ills. What’s preventing that happening? The absolute love of money and power that trumps true safety and financial empowerment for all. May our leaders one day be able to acquire that level of humanity.

Apollone Reid

pollyreid2001@gmail.com