Professor Rex Nettleford has described the type of leader that the crisis in Jamaica now demands as "creative". Beverley Manley says that she expects something extra-ordinary, and some of us think that we need an exceptional leader. Prime Minister Bruce Golding has to fill all of our expectations and history demands that he does.

The leader of the opposition thinks that this administration is incompetent and the prime minister agrees that they have made some mistakes, but Mrs Portia Simpson Miller will not accept that she headed what many consider the most corrupt administration in the short history of our country.

rescuing the economy

It is unfair for us to expect that Golding should sit down with Dr Omar Davies and chart a course for rescuing the economy when Davies himself admitted some years ago at a much-reported speech at the Meadowbrook High School that he allowed public funds to be used in a way intended to ensure his party's victory at the polls.

Jamaica is demanding leaders who will put the interest of their country above party and above self, even if it means serving one term. History will absolve such leaders and curse any other type. Contrary to popular belief, the Jamaica Labour Party administration has left almost all the People's National Party supporters in positions of power. It seems to have been a policy decision.

Golding needs to lead regardless of criticisms, regardless of mis-steps and regardless of a clearly partisan Opposition. Where he is weak, we need to point it out; where he is strong, we need to support him, but he must lead.

I am, etc.,

MARK CLARKE

mark_clarke9@yahoo.com

Siloah, PO

St Elizabeth