I believe the prime minister's Budget speech was excellent from start to finish. I would grade it 9.5 out of 10. I was shocked by the rating given to it by Ralston Hyman, Martin Henry and Dennis Chung in their reviews. They each gave it 7 out of 10. I was even more shocked by Chung as I have often considered him an objective thinker.

I am sure the prime minister will never be able to satisfy the aspiration of all the people of this country but certainly there are those who are seeing the light of a new day. It was most gratifying to see the abject failure of those who attempted to protest against the new tax measures.

There are those who, wittingly or unwittingly, try to discredit his leadership style by comparing him with Barack Obama as if to suggest that he is merely imitating him.

But they need to be reminded that Prime Minister Golding has been acting on his own initiative long before Barack Obama became president of the United States of America. Our prime minister had promised an enlightened style of leadership and an inclusive form of Government, as well as better governance. He ought to be credited for the steps he has taken to fulfil those promises and for the quality of leadership shown.

As a nation, we need to support him with our prayers and goodwill. May he continue his good work, the God of heaven being with him.

I am. etc.,

THE REV CYRIL CLARKE

Jamaica Baptist Union

Osbourne Store PO

Clarendon