I have the greatest respect for Peter Espeut. Indeed, he has been my friend for more than 30 years. But he has been wrong in his columns over the last two weeks.

All of us agree that things cannot continue the way they are now. We all similarly agree that the change has to be politically driven. This is no time for amateur hands; the prime minister has to be decisive. She will have to ensure that the development and preservation of her legacy occur within four years, so there is no time to play around.

The ministers, so appointed, will have to produce, and the various stages of the prime minister's new plans require hard work and long hours. Portia Simpson Miller has to face the stark reality, put in place the staff to make it real, and face the criticism to follow, but get the job done.

It is to my knowledge that the legislative agenda and the work programme for the first 100 days are already worked out, for such is the faith of Mrs Simpson Miller that while in Opposition, she prepared herself for the role she must perform. The size of the Cabinet reflects just that - assiduous planning.

My other disagreement has to do with his emphasis on the age of the ministers. Very many great statesmen are called to office in the seventh or eighth decade of their lives.

Let us not lose sight of the exciting possibilities of this new beginning and not be so early to detract and destroy.

JEPHTHAH FORD (MD)

Pennant Terrace, Kingston 19