Letter of the Day | Not everything old is valuable

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I would like to share my thoughts on the recent massive salary increase awarded to parliamentarians. Mr Prime Minister and esteemed Cabinet members, the Jamaican people are deeply concerned and weary of politicians who seem to prioritise their personal gain over the welfare of our country. Such behaviour can only be described as parasitic, as it drains the blood, sweat and tears of the Jamaican people.

What we truly need are politicians who view themselves as true patriots, dedicated to serving our nation as faithful servants. It is clear that some among your ranks, due to their age and lack of technological proficiency, remain well equipped for a world that no longer exists, and ill-equipped to navigate a rapidly evolving world. Therefore, they should be considered redundant and replaced with individuals who possess the necessary skills for a future that has already arrived. I question whether these politicians were the intended recipients of the salary increase you mentioned in your recent statement. If so, I implore you to reconsider your decision and remove them from their positions before proceeding with such an assertion.

As a senior citizen myself, I understand that age brings its own limitations. Many individuals in your Cabinet and I find ourselves in the column of life where certain tasks become more challenging, and our energy levels decline. We often forget things, which can also be liberating in a way. Some of us may need walking aids and move with a slower pace, as if climbing a mountain when, in reality, we are descending. I have heard arguments from your supporters and others that these politicians are needed for their knowledge. However, I must assert that such thinking is a fallacy in this age of advanced technology. The notion of their indispensability is outdated, and even among them, distinctions must be made. It is essential to recognise that not everything old is valuable. The answer to our current predicament lies not in the slumbering minds of these politicians but in the vision of the youth, as the scriptures have rightly stated.

Mr Prime Minister, the true wealth of a nation does not lie in its gold or silver, but rather in the knowledge, wisdom, and integrity of its people. If you genuinely love this country, the honourable course of action would be to roll back the wage increase. Such a decision would ensure that history looks upon you favourably.

ARTHUR TEDDY PHIDD, JP