Dear Editor,

I started writing this letter about a week ago. The idea came to me after I saw a few Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) supporters putting up their ‘Choose Jamaica’ slogan beside the People’s National Party’s (PNP) ‘Time Come’ in a video. It seemed funny and mischievous at the time, with all the back and forth and bantering between both parties. However, it triggered me to write this, and on the eve of election day I’m doing so.

I do hope that whichever party wins tomorrow it does just that — choose Jamaica. Choosing Jamaica and Jamaicans should be at the forefront of every decision-making, money-spending, and policy-implementing that is to be done and is being done by our Government. And the reason for this is that they said they would — during all the campaigning and while trying to garner our support and votes.

We are not asking for much from the Government, whoever it will be. All we are asking is that you see past thegreen and orange and see a nation, a nation which you made promises to that is looking for you to fulfil those promises. Even though they say “A promise is a comfort to a fool,” we are tired of being taken for fools. We want what we put you in power to do: represent the people and the country as best as you can, without bias, nepotism, corruption, and a lack of accountability for actions taken.

We want politicians who are not afraid to be honest and true to the cause. We want politicians who will fix everybody’s roads, not just those of the ones who wore the party’s T-shirt, rode on every motorcade, and quarrelled with members of the opposing party. We are tired of the playing field not being levelled. We are tired of our teachers, doctors, nurses, policemen/policewomen, soldiers, garbage collectors, security guards, and other hard-working citizens complaining about salaries and their deplorable working conditions. We are tired of them leaving the island in droves trying to seek a “better” life. The funniest thing is that we have never heard of politicians leaving to find better lives, they don’t even want to retire.

I could go on and on, but I will assume my point has been made: Time come to choose Jamaica, whether you saying “power” or “shower”. Time come to choose Jamaica and put away pride and ego. Time come to choose Jamaica and make Jamaica the best it can be for all Jamaicans, not just some.

Tracy-Ann Passley

take402@hotmail.com