Dear Editor,

Let’s face it, with the general election fast approaching it is quite obvious that neither of the two major political parties will be disappearing anytime soon. Therefore, the better alternative, in my view, is a government of national unity.

Although this might not be a novel idea, it certainly is workable, as the country would have access to the best of both political parties.

Under the current Westminster system the country hasn’t had a lot of economic success, pre- or post-independence. Kingston, the capital, with its vast potential for development, is a prime example.

The good thing about a government of national unity is that both parties would be responsible and accountable for whether the policies fail or succeed.

They would have to put the country first and foremost and not party. Neither would there be any sabotage for political gain. The constituents of both parties would have to be told the truth that the country cannot be run on free housing, free water, free electricity, free education and free health care. The country simply cannot afford it.

People on both sides would be more inclined to pay their fair share of taxes because there would be no advantage or disadvantage to be gained by either side.

Victimisation would be curtailed because a formula could be worked out that both sides have access to the country’s limited resources and therefore would help to alleviate the garrison lifestyle and mentality that are so detrimental to the country’s development.

The people would have to be reminded that because of the aggressive borrowing by past and present governments most of the money in the budget is earmarked to service the country’s debt. So in order to have wealth and job creation the country must produce more, especially in the areas of agriculture, agro-processing and manufacturing.

In time, crime and violence could be brought under control because there would be no need for the parties to be aligned to criminal gangs for political enforcement. And the squatting problem would have to be looked at in a more serious and objective fashion.

Jamaica deserves much better than the mismanagement of its affairs by successive governments.

Noel Mitchell

Nlmworld @yahoo.com

Westchester, New York, USA