The Editor, Sir:

There is clearly an effort to put Dr Omar Davies under the microscope and examine in detail all his decisions and actions as minister of finance. I hope for the country's sake that it is not merely a 'witch hunt' or a tactic to divert the focus from our current economic woes by blaming the steward of the past; because if it is, then the 'Jamaica First' slogan of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) is just that - a slogan.

If the FINSAC investigation is to uncover whether Dr Davies' decisions were sound and were made in the best interest of the country, and that the information so gleaned will help us as we navigate our way through these turbulent economic waters then I am all for it. I am confident that Davies will continue to acquit himself admirably and we will be the better for it. If, on the other hand, it is not so, then God help us; it is tribalism all over again.

The Heathrow Slots

I am finding it difficult to wrap my mind around all the reports that continues, to blame the past government, and Dr Davies in particular, for the selling of the Heathrow Slots. I am yet to hear a news report that intimates that the then Air Jamaica board had anything to do with the sale. In fact, based solely on the news reports, one would wonder if there was a board at the time. I am sure there was, as I was a member of that board and was party to all the deliberations that led to the decision to sell the slots to Virgin Atlantic, and at no time was Davies present or any instructions given that related to any desire or wish that he may have.

I now place on public record that the selling of the Heathrow Slots was a board decision and that Davies had nothing to do with it. If the powers that be feel that there is the need for an investigation, then it should be the then board that is investigated. I have nothing to fear; but I am sure that 'Dr Davies is a nicer fish to fry'.

Crime our biggest problem

Everyone will agree that crime is our single largest problem and that it has it roots embedded in our political parties. Our own prime minister has admitted to his own transgressions. I am sure that it would benefit the nation and, probably, ultimately reduce gun crime if an investigation were done and he answered the following questions:

1) What was the nature of your association with gunmen?

2) Were you/are you associated with gunrunners?

3) Did you tell them what areas to terrorise?

4) Do you know of anyone who was so involved?

If we are serious as a nation, and if we are prepared to put 'Jamaica first', then I am sure that we will get this investigation in short order.

I am a realist and, therefore, do not hold out much hope unless like-minded citizens begin to make their voices heard. The current stand-off with the US over the extradition of Christopher Coke is seen by many Jamaicans as a bad decision. Probably the administration's view is that for them to send him would be an even worse one.

I am, etc.,

HORACE REID

horace.reid1@gmail.com

Kingston 6