Dear Editor,

For some time now, I’ve noticed a bright shining star within the ranks of a struggling JLP government. Recently one of your readers commended Daryl Vaz on his fine achievements as a minister, and I couldn’t agree more. It’s also refreshing to see that others are actually taking note. Minister Vaz is one of few – among so many – who understand his portfolio, and is actually performing, achieving and from all angles appears to be fully accountable.

It was only a few days ago, for instance, that reports surfaced in the media about the plight of a young Haitian teenager of Jamaican parentage who was homeless after the earthquake, living on the streets in Port-au-Prince. Her Jamaican grandmother appealed locally for help to get her to Jamaica. In a matter of days, Minister Vaz achieved what almost seemed impossible at the time: finding this young girl from among thousands and contacting her mother in the USA who consented to her being flown to her grandmother in Jamaica on humanitarian grounds.

This is not the first for Minister Vaz. From all accounts he has represented his West Portland constituency very well. Good leaders tend to stand out more in times of crisis. As minister of information, he responded to the Haitian earthquake disaster and the recent American Airlines crash like a pro, a seasoned diplomat, hands-on, a quick thinker on top of his game. He was often quoted in the international media during coverage of both incidents.

Mr Vaz handled with maturity and class the dual-citizenship issue, which almost derailed his political career, proving he had the country at heart and was eager and willing to serve. He is one of few Jamaican politicians, including many in Opposition, who actually stand out in their portfolios and responsibilities. A relatively young politician, he should seriously consider running for leadership at the prime ministerial level, taking over a party which from all accounts seems to be heading nowhere! Keep up the good work, Minister Vaz!

P Chin

Canada

chin_p@yahoo.com