Dear Editor,

With the General Election just over a week away, Jamaicans are not interested in just word-of-mouth, fancy talk or finger-pointing. Instead, we welcome practical solutions to the problems facing the country.

The manifestos presented by the major political parties have been an integral part of the electoral process, and Jamaicans look forward to the ideas presented in each.

It is within this climate that the highly anticipated JLP manifesto was unveiled this week, and I have to say it hit all the right notes. I was inspired by Mr Holness’s admission that some things have not been working as they should. However, the manifesto seems to address these and other areas which are to be improved. Foremost on the JLP’s agenda are industry and development which, they stated, will be the administration’s primary areas of focus.

I am of the view that the JLP manifesto presents more solid and attainable goals than those set out in the PNP manifesto. The ruling party stated in their manifesto that they will be targeting job creation, pension and tax reform, tourism and environment, just to name a few areas. Of course, these will be important areas to focus on, since it is through these sectors that national development is best attained.

I would like to applaud the JLP manifesto committee for putting thought into the direction in which the country needs to go. Jamaica needs leaders with real vision and focus. However, identifying the way forward is only the first step.

If the party is successful at the polls, it is imperative that these plans are implemented forthwith, and sustained as best as possible. In the end, rebuilding the country will demand vision, focus, passion and commitment on the part of our leaders.

Marcia Goodlit

Frankfield, Manchester

marciavgoodlit@gmail.com