Dear Editor,

I am pleased by the act of political maturity shown by Prime Minister Bruce Golding and Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller on their visiting Haiti together on Thursday to assess first-hand the situation in Haiti and to better decide how best Jamaica can help despite our own problems.

Whatever the reason for that show of unity between our two leaders, it certainly looked good and sent a wonderful message, especially to our people at home, that Jamaica – and not necessarily the JLP Government or the Opposition PNP acting independently – commiserates with the people of Haiti.

Although the prime minister travelling alone should have been sufficient to be Jamaica’s representative and to convey Jamaica’s sympathy, the divisive nature of our politics would probably deny too many of our people from being so appreciative.

I wish that such political co-operation would become the norm in our political practices at home. For with such a new approach to our politics, there would be a lessening of the partisan discord or political tribalism that has characterised our politics for too long, and much more could therefore be achieved in advancing national development.

Even though our political process is a competitive one, such a new political order would not in any way jeopardise or deny our political parties the opportunity to mount credible and effective campaigns in their quest for political office. In the sphere of governance, there would be more cooperation than division.

I am confident Prime Minister Golding and Opposition Leader Simpson Miller will summon the courage to be the change agents in this regard. It is full time we commit ourselves to the realisation of a more mature approach to our political practices.

Kevin KO Sangster

sangstek@msn.com