Merits of term limits

The Editor, Sir:

The article published in The Gleaner on December 8 indicating the opposition of the People's National Party (PNP) to term limits of the prime minister is, to my mind, another example of the attempts by older politicians to hold on to power.

Mrs Simpson Miller's argument does not make sense and I hope she will consider her position for the following reasons.

1. The prime minister has, since Independence, been the president of the victorious party and, therefore, her argument that the members of parliament elect the prime minister does not hold much weight. If term limits were to be introduced, it would simply mean that each political party would have to seriously start succession planning knowing that the individual serving as president would be replaced in nine years.

There are clear advantages to this model. It allows for renewal in the party and it would encourage the grooming of fresh talent that can apply new perspectives to the problems the country continues to face despite the attempts of the old guard in both major political parties.

According to Prime Minister Golding, power can be addictive and can lead to a manipulation of the democratic process.

I believe that at this time it is both "necessary and wise" to embark on the passage of legislation to enshrine this provision since we have seen from our experience with both Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and PNP governments that having the same personality at the helm, when many others believe it is time for them to go, has only resulted in division and violence. In light of this, a more structured and anticipated transition does not only serve the party, but also serves the country better.

I am, etc.,

WAYNE WEBB

wawewe@yahoo.com

Bronx, NY