Opposition speech tasteless, tactless

THE EDITOR, Sir:

OUR POLITICIANS do not know when to speak and when to shut up.

I was at the annual Independence Day function at King’s House yesterday and I was so upset. The speech given by the Opposition was so politicised. Ninety per cent of the address spoke to how badly the current administration is running the country and how, under the Jamaica Labour Party administrations of the ’60s, the country went through an economic boom.

However true that may be, that was not the forum to have such a speech. If it were other fora, it may have been acceptable. Instead of trying to unify the country during this time of celebration, Olivia Grange, on behalf of Opposition Leader Andrew Holness, used party politics to bash the Simpson Miller administration.

I am not one for partisan politics, and I can appreciate what she was saying, but I found when and where she said it to be highly inappropriate – in front of all the diplomats and other dignitaries showing our dirty linen!

How dare they degrade something that is supposed to be a joyous and proud occasion that serves to highlight our advances and what is needed to be done to propel our beautiful island nation to greater prosperity! That speech irked me to the core. It shows that our politicians are inept, incapable and stupid.

I must commend Ms Grange, however, on her charge to citizens to hold our officials accountable, not only “chatting off our mouths”, but by taking action that will cause them to hear and act appropriately and responsibly.

This year, I turned 18, so I am eligible to vote, providing that I register. This I shall do, holding accountable the Government, whose executive is here to serve the people.

MICKEL HYLTON mickelhylton@yahoo.co.uk