Dear Editor,

I am concerned about the downturn of our economy over the past few years. It is evident that many business houses have gone into voluntary liquidation or forced closure due to bankruptcy. This picture is depressing and does not augur well for the PPP/C administration.

During the era of former President Hoyte (1985 1992) there was a dramatic change in our economy due to the Economic Recovery Programme. I applaud Mr Hoyte's achievement.

It is my belief that our country can be economically viable again under a new administration. The lesser of the two evils at the moment seems to be the PNC/R. However, it seems that the party believe that it is time for Mr Hoyte to demit office so that a new leader can take control. I support the argument that the current leader is old and should not contest the 2006 election.

The question then would be who should be the leader? I believe that the party can rebound and win the 2006 election if the present structure is changed. This can be done if the party stalwarts, who have the interest of the country at heart, can see it fit to replace Mr Hoyte with a young, energetic candidate who can command respect from a wide cross section of the population. Out of the present aspiring leaders Raphael Trotman, the young Attorney at Law seems to be to the only candidate who can mount a challenge to the PPP/C and President Jagdeo.