Jamaica Observer

Dear Editor,

As people's frustration with the economic malaise in Jamaica increases and the reality sets in that there is no light at the end of the tunnel as long as we are stuck with the stale JLP and PNP — which have been fiddling with our lives for 50 years — more and more people are crying out for alternatives.

To make matters worse, the old hope that new blood would have entered those clueless parties to bring about change is nothing but a pipe dream, since the powerful and power-hungry are not about to give an inch in the interest of strengthening democracy in the country.

The cry for better alternatives is not new, and many small parties have sprung up over the years, only to fade away after each election. But is it realistic to think that a third party can break the stranglehold that the traditional parties have on us, if all else remains the same? I hardly think so.

The cry for better alternatives is not new, and many small parties have sprung up over the years, only to fade away after each election. But is it realistic to think that a third party can break the stranglehold that the traditional parties have on us, if all else remains the same? I hardly think so.

The first problem is that instead of proportional representation we have the less democratic winner-take-all system, which consistently results in parties getting just over half of the popular vote but ending up with two-thirds of the representatives in Parliament.

So where would that leave a third party that can muster up even 10 per cent of the popular vote? You are perfectly correct — nowhere. While it is true that the Labour party in England did move from third party status, replacing the once dominant Liberal party in the 1920s, the circumstances were totally different, so we can't take any comfort from what happened there.

I think the greatest obstacle to any third party having an impact in Jamaica is the corruption of the local government system, which is a millstone around the necks of taxpayers but from which we reap no benefits. The fact is, the only entities that benefit from the existence of the almost 300 parish councillors being supported by the public purse are the JLP and PNP.

This is because these councillors are mostly nothing but permanent political fixtures and activists for the two parties. On the other hand, they serve very little purpose to the taxpayers, as their permanent chant is that they have no money to carry out their basic functions. Anyway, most of their traditional functions have long ago been subsumed by central government or taken over by the Constituency Development Fund.

A few years ago, I wrote a critique of this same redundant local government system and a consultant to the ministry replied that local government was critical to the running of the country, especially since its main function is town planning. What a joke! Can someone point me to a well-planned town in Jamaica today?

At one time one could point to Mandeville, but even that town is now nothing but a series of chaka chaka, unplanned and monstrous buildings. Further, residential communities and the roads therein, especially in Kingston, are being devastated daily by illegal commercialisation, with the apparent tacit approval of the KSAC. Anyway, Jamaica is just too small and poor to be having 15 different governments (13 parish councils, Portmore municipal council and Central Government).

That was a very sensible recommendation, but the idea was immediately buried by the politically powerful JLP and PNP as it would have put an end to their having hordes of persons on the ground profiling as representatives of the people when they are nothing but party activists being paid by the overburdened taxpayer.

So now we come back to my main question; how can a third party ever make an impact with the type of machinery that the traditional parties have? It seems that before we see the next plethora of small parties emerging in time to fight the 2016 election, those so minded should 'tek sleep mark death' and start from now to lead a campaign to mobilise the hapless and exploited taxpayers in this country to rise up and demand an end to the useless local government system.

We should replace it with three county councils made up of no more than a total of 20 representatives with well-defined duties. The heads of these councils should be independently elected by voters. Of course, it is well known that each new generation likes to reinvent the wheel, so I am only throwing out this suggestion to those of the younger generation of potential politicians or change agents who are not blinded by romanticism.

Joan E Williams

20 Bedford Park Avenue

Kingston 10

gratestj@gmail.com

Move to county councils

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Dear Editor,

Jamaica, my heart bleeds for you. Your political leadership is under fire. Your citizens are looking for fiscal and economic miracles.

Your people of every stripe are yelling and screaming, 'Jobs, jobs, jobs, investments, investments'. Jamaica, Jamaica, where art thou? There is internal fighting from within the ranks, although this will not be acknowledged. Former high-profile ministers are fomenting and have drawn their verbal swords.

Jamaica, oh Jamaica, why not work co-operatively to attain the required goals? Why can't you work for the benefit of all your citizens, instead of creating social suicide for them? Jamaicans are screaming, 'We want our garbage picked up regularly, we want water in the rural areas on a more regular basis, we need good roads that are repaired and safe, many of our roads are a living disgrace.'

We complain, we complain, our crime rate is so high; small farmers become poorer, because of thieves. Jamaica, oh Jamaica! I cry loudly for thee.

You took over with a lingering unfinished IMF deal and suddenly this sits on our shoulders; with business organisations, large and small, screaming for an IMF deal. Everybody is getting overly anxious over this languishing IMF situation.

Why do we seek overnight miracles for our economic and financial woes? Jamaica, oh Jamaica, awake and arise from your slumber, because China National Bank and an IMF deal will not rescue you from all your ills. Jamaica, oh Jamaica, we are fast becoming a knowledge export country.

I am unsure about this strategy for knowledge export. Jamaica, oh Jamaica! You have done some wonderful things, so let us expand those good things for a brighter Jamaican future. Jamaica, oh Jamaica, sacrifice no more of our industries to foreign entities. Jamaica, oh Jamaica, do not give away our birthright, retain some for us.

Jamaica, oh Jamaica, awake, arise from thy slumber, lead us to a better day. Lead us not into the valley of no return. Jamaica, oh Jamaica, your leadership is under fire.

Dudley E Morgan

Alberta, Canada

yeldudem@gmail.com

A lamentation for Jamaica

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Dear Editor,

Forty years ago on January 11, 1973, the inaugural meeting of the Caribbean Examinations Council was held in Barbados.

At this historical event, two visionaries of the regional integration movement -- Errol Walton Barrow of Barbados and William Demas -- spoke to the impulse and the mission that this post-colonial enterprise embodied.

Demas explained that "the establishment of Council should not be seen as just a change of examining bodies, but as part of a conscious effort on the part of regional governments to restructure, redirect and remodel the school system of the Caribbean with a view to relating them to the environment, the problems and the needs of our societies".

Barrow was even more transformative in his expression of that vision:

"I consider the Caribbean Examinations Council to be an instrument of change... The time is therefore ripe to take this step to Caribbeanise our education as well as the whole system of examinations which influences educational practice and methodology."

It took a further six years of meticulous and painstaking foundation building and systems design before the first examination -- the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate -- was offered to a cohort of 30,276 candidates from 13 Participating Territories.

Forty years later, just under 6.5 million Caribbean citizens from 19 territories including three of the Dutch-speaking Caribbean have participated in this particular certification.

Forty years later, the Caribbean Examinations Council offers a full suite of examinations and certification that can support the emergence of a seamless education system in the region from primary to pre-university. Forty years later, CXC's certification is accepted internationally on all continents of this highly competitive world.

The familiar landscape of the past forty years is changing exponentially and today we face challenges of a much greater order of magnitude while contemplating opportunities of significantly wider amplitude. And while we celebrate and applaud the accomplishments of these past 40 years, we must be guided by the acute awareness that what got us through this period will not get us through the next 10 years. The world is an infinitely more competitive arena; knowledge has been elevated to being a game-changing factor of production and national competitiveness is no longer about the altitude of the best learners but about the standard of accomplishment of the rest. As I indicated at the opening of the 2012 Meeting of Council in Anguilla: "yesterday, competitiveness was measured by the cream of the crop; tomorrow, it will be measured by calibre of the cohort."

There is therefore an unavoidable imperative of rethinking education in the Caribbean.

There are contradictions in life in which the past returns as future and this is the historical moment in which we must reaffirm and restore our regional resolve.

This 40th anniversary is the time to recommit to that vision -- far ahead of its time -- that understood the power of examinations to serve as instruments of educational transformation rather than as impositions of petrified standards. Now is the time to recommit to the vision that the guarantee of Caribbean sovereignty lies in our capacity for collective cooperation and that our competition is not Jamaica but Japan; is not Trinidad but Thailand; is not Barbados but Brazil.

Now is the time to conclude -- with the progressive decline of every resource-based industry upon which we have relied -- that the future of this Caribbean and the final guarantor of our survival and sustainability is the human resource capacity of our region. We at CXC have committed ourselves to assuring the global human resource competitiveness of the Caribbean through the provision of quality assurance in education and comprehensive certification.

Caribbean Examinations Council

The Garrison

St Michael, Barbados

cxcezo@cxc.org

The CXC at 40

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Dear Editor,

As I am hearing the various complaints against one of Jamaica's most steadfast investors, Digicel, I would like to make the point that all companies have to ensure that they remain profitable so that they can continue to employ Jamaicans and provide a good service.

Recently, their competitor, LIME, announced that it will be applying a special tax starting the first week in February. Essentially, all calls made from both landlines and mobiles will be taxed, as the company will no longer absorb it.

Since Digicel came to Jamaica, even the boys that push hand carts can afford a cellphone. But not only that, Digicel gives millions of dollars to help build Jamaica. The company just donated $1 million to the JCF for some special equipment and another couple million well to some community development projects in St Mary, St Thomas, Manchester and other parishes.

More people need to wake up and look at the bigger picture — where would Jamaica be now if Digicel had decided to invest in another country?

M. Marks

Kingston

mugabemarks@yahoo.com

Those Digicel complaints...

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Dear Editor,

In addition to the many recommendations being made to the Government regarding the amelioration of the Jamaican economy, I am suggesting that serious consideration be given to innovation and entrepreneurship.

There is a need for a feasible framework to encourage the brilliant and creative minds of this nation; characteristics the populace is not short of. This group of persons includes our university graduates who are seeking every chance to migrate to other countries due to the lack of jobs or employment creation opportunities.

So, this is how it goes... millions of dollars are spent in educating these persons and with little or no possibility of obtaining jobs, they go to other countries. They resourcefully use their creativity and innovative skills, coupled with the Jamaican spirit, and make well of themselves and simultaneously contribute to the development of the said countries.

How then do they contribute to the productive capacity of this nation after so much has been invested in their education? Please do not tell me that they do so via remittance to families and friends! Bear in mind the words of Martin Luther King Jr, and, I quote, "Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity".

I am imploring the Government to create the necessary platform to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship so that some of our best 'thinkers and doers' will remain in the country and build the economy. They need funding, tax incentives and other necessities to be enterprising and enable growth and expansion; after all, these are some of the important roles of Government.

I must also use this opportunity to commend the achievement of two insightful young Jamaicans, Tousan Royal and Thaddeti Tulloch, who have fallen into the two categories of innovators and entrepreneurs.

Instituting the "WGP Academy", where students will be able to direct their own learning via multi-sensory Web-based tools, to improve the CSEC and CAPE passes is a great accomplishment. A virtual information technology teaching-learning system is a supporting mechanism to stimulate students' interests and motivate their learning.

These two bright and astute Jamaicans must be applauded for their forward- thinking and solution-oriented capacity. Jamaica needs more of them as a part of its quest to revive the economy.

Gaunette Sinclair-Maragh

gaunsmar@yahoo.com

Innovation, entrepreneurship -- Jamaica's salvation

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Dear Editor,

Have you ever awoken and felt extremely happy that what you were just experiencing was actually a dream?

What if your experience was reality, but you thought you were having a dream?

Well, independent psychiatrists have stated that this is one of the effects of some psychiatric drugs that are being given to children and young people.

These psychiatric drugs do not cure anything. In fact, they put toxic substances into our children's brains, disrupting it and causing it to fight back. The usage and/or withdrawal from these drugs can even result in suicide and murder. Some of these drugs are so diabolical that once started, patients have to continue using small quantities of them for the rest of their lives.

Sometimes, as parents, we get overly anxious if our children behave a bit eccentric. Or sometimes our homes are dysfunctional, lacking in parenting skills and a proper approach to discipline.

The proliferation, prescription and usage of these psychiatric drugs are based on the persuasive power of the drug companies and not on the efficacy of the drugs in dealing with mental or behavioural problems. Psychiatrists, conscious of the dangers of these drugs, should be careful before prescribing them.

An examination of the family, its system of discipline, schools, religion, sports and physical activities, foods and socialisation generally, could unearth causes for antisocial behaviours that can be corrected.

This is a superior approach, when compared to the drugging of our people, particularly our children, with psychiatric medications, which have not worked and can result in murders and suicides.

Carlton Stewart

stewart.carlton@gmail.com

Murder, suicide and psychiatric drugs

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Dear Editor,

I feel compelled to respond to the article in Wednesday's Observer entitled "Expert cautions Gov't on red mud exploration".

This "expert" is a management consultant. He is not a geologist, chemist or metallurgist. He makes some assertions about the mining of rare earth elements which are misleading.

Firstly, rare earths are called rare earths not because they are rare, but because they are generally found in such low concentrations in the earth's crust, and in complex associations with other elements, that their extraction is complex and expensive.

This is the main reason why mines in the US, Australia and Canada went under. In addition, the price rise in these elements only occured recently as a direct result of fear that China would restrict exports.

As it relates to the Jamaica case, the proposal is not to mine anything, but rather to process what is, in effect at the moment, mining 'tailings' that sit in several sites across the country. This will be reprocessed to extract the desired elements.

Now, there is a concern about the health effects of the processing technologies to be employed and that is a valid discussion that can be had. However, that has not been the basis of this "expert's" arguments. He raises issues about mining which are not an issue here.

In addition, geologists like myself have known for years about the relatively high concentrations of heavy metals and traces of radioactive elements that are associated with our bauxite deposits. Yet we have mined those deposits for more than 50 years with no known negative health effects associated with these elements.

I am sure we can have a discussion about the pros and cons or reprocessing bauxite waste for rare earth elements, but in doing so let us engage those who actually have some competence in the matter that is being discussed.

R Smalling

smalling@queensu.ca

Misleading assertions about red mud mining

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Dear Editor,

I feel compelled to respond to the article headlined 'Roberts continues push for incomes policy' published in yesterday's Jamaica Observer.

This is an approach which Danny Roberts has agonised over since the existing impasse arose. There have been many occasions when we have contemplated how to render assistance to the parties so as to create accommodation.

We are experienced in this regard since then Prime Minister Bruce Golding summoned us (Danny Roberts, Ward Mills, and me) in 2008 to try to end the then dispute over wages and fringe benefits. Our intervention was successful and we were able to present the prime minister with an agreement which he instructed the public service sector of the Ministry of Finance to implement.

Roberts' suggestion as an ideal approach to the present dispute is far from perfect, but as the old saying goes, "A drowning man will clutch at a straw."

Let me firstly outline my definition of an incomes policy. The English business dictionary states: "A voluntary or statutory regulation of the level of increases in prices and incomes."

This is a mechanism "through which a government attempts to control escalation in incomes (wages, salaries, dividends, rents) to restrain escalation in prices (inflation) without increasing unemployment".

Roberts makes the following pronouncements worthy of note:

1. The Administration's approach to the current public sector wage negotiations would bear no sustainable benefit if the parties to the negotiations — the Government and trade unions — do not seriously examine the development of an incomes policy as a tool to address the current crisis.

My response is one of agreement. I prefer, however, the American reference to wages and price control in preference to the European "incomes policy".

2. The policy would reflect constraints on both wages and prices, and it need not be extended to other forms of income.

This is perhaps questionable. The relevant question is: Should Government extend wage control to prices generally, dividends and rents?

3. Under an incomes policy, Government would be expected to regulate escalation in incomes to curb rise in prices (inflation) without increasing unemployment.

A number of questions arise here, the answers to all of which depend on whether we believe in the cost push inflation theory or the demand push inflation theory. "Believers in the cost push inflation theory are the greatest advocates of incomes policy, whereas believers in the demand push inflation theory regard it as a supplement to fiscal measures".

4. An incomes policy would prove a useful tool to support the Government's broad fiscal and monetary policies, adding that "an incomes policy can play an important role in macroeconomic management".

This I entirely agree with.

5. Such a policy would provide for real wage growth by coupling wages to productivity. This would involve full engagement of the Jamaica Productivity Centre in developing productivity programmes and measurements designed to achieve improvements in total factor productivity.

Lack of meaningful productivity increase has been the bane of Jamaica's competitiveness for many years.

It was Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller who, in her capacity as minister of labour, sought the assistance of the International Labour Organisation to address productivity needs in Jamaica and the establishment of the Jamaica Productivity Centre.

This centre is a department of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and is responsible for promoting and facilitating productivity enhancement at the national, sector, industry and enterprise levels. It is a tripartite organisation comprising the Government of Jamaica, the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions, and the Jamaica Employers' Federation.

Since its establishment, nothing significant has happened to the productivity rate.

The real purpose of my intervention is to invite responses from centres like the Department of Management Studies, as Roberts' proposals need greater discussion. Public sector wage negotiations need innovative approaches.

Dwight A Nelson

Former state minister for the public service and chairman, Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions

Danny Roberts' proposals need greater discussion

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Dear Editor,

At last, one of our local economists, Dr Andre Haughton, has called for debt relief as discussed in his article 'Jamaica should seek debt relief'[Jamaica Gleaner 1/23/2013]. If Jamaica were to sign an IMF agreement without debt relief, the dramatic cuts in expenditure — and increased taxes [which Dr Peter Phillips says are to come]— will cause adjustments so severe that the likelihood of social unrest should not be ruled out. And, if so, any chance of achieving sustainable economic growth would be a fantasy.

I have been calling for debt restructuring since 2008.

On November 2, 2008, the Sunday Gleaner carried an article by me entitled 'Jamaica could save billions annually', in which I suggested that immediate action should be taken where "Jamaica needs a domestic-type Paris Club where all the major holders of local debt come together and renegotiate with Government at longer terms at lower interest rates and with appropriate moratorium on principal repayments".

The Jamaica Debt Exchange was a step forward, even though debt moratorium may not have been included. [I am not sure] Unfortunately, the benefits from such a programme, with meaningful support from the financial institutions, were wasted as Jamaica piled up more debts and we are in a worse position today.

On June 1, 2012, the Gleaner published an article by me, 'Jamaica should go to the Paris Club', although Jamaica may not meet the existing requirements to seek support through that avenue. But given that Jamaica is one of the most indebted countries in the world based on debt to Gross Domestic Product criterion, some avenue for debt relief has to be found.

In that article I said: "Marginal budgetary adjustments cannot deal with Jamaica's debt problem... We have, for too many years, faced an unsustainable debt crisis which cannot be solved by conventional means... Other countries have faced serious debt crises and took the decision that conventional approach cannot work. They turned to what is known as the Paris Club to have their debts rescheduled, partially forgiven, and then returned to economic sustainability."

Last year I believe that it was the finance minister from the Seychelles who was invited to Jamaica to herald the Seychelles' recent economic success after having benefited from the Paris Club debt relief programme.

I suggest that any IMF agreement should seek to have that institution, along with the World Bank, IDB and CDB, commit to playing a lead role in helping Jamaica achieve partial debt forgiveness/restructuring. There is no escape that there will be budgetary cuts — and possible tax increases — to improve the fiscal accounts and these will cause inescapable hardships and suffering.

But these should be complementary to a partial debt relief programme without which I cannot see any IMF agreement succeeding in helping Jamaica moving towards economic sustainability.

I believe that it would be extremely timely for major stakeholders in the Jamaican economy, leaders from both political parties, business organisations and the trade unions to address this issue and, hopefully, come to the decision that we should go forward with an IMF agreement only if it includes a debt relief component.

Dr Paul Chen-Young

pchenyoung@gmail.com

Debt relief must be strategic imperative in any IMF agreement

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Dear Editor,

The recent revelation by Minister Phillip Paulwell regarding the possibility that Jamaica could mine rare earth elements is indeed a significant announcement. Rare earth elements are a strategic commodity used in small quantities to manufacture specialised parts vital to almost all modern technology, with continuously growing use and significance.

China currently has more than 90 per cent of global production and continues to maintain and increase its lead in global competitiveness in manufacturing.

These rare earth elements make up a significant part of every country's expenditure as they are used in everything from credit card magnet strips, and growing wind energy innovation, to hybrid car engines and smartphones. So, as the world sends BB and Whatsapp messages to each other, we Jamaicans could be making millions.

If the rare earth elements reserves are real, then anyone who understands the current dire need for the growth of our GDP ought then to support our engagement in this area. In addition, the geopolitical aspects of this venture greatly increase its appeal.

Japan desperately needs rare earth elements to cut into China's control of the market and subsequently regain its pride of place in world economic leadership. With the presence of rare earth elements in Jamaica, we could suddenly become important players.

The high tension existing between Japan and China at this time drives Japan's need to "play ball" with anyone who has economically viable reserves. The ball seems divinely to have been suddenly "thrown" in Jamaica's court. But do we have the negotiating cojones?

Our negotiators must insist that the production machinery and necessary infrastructure be installed in Jamaica. We must demand that Jamaican people be trained in the operation. We must ensure equity in the production and management of this precious resource.

Strict environmental policing must be ensured and led by Jamaica. Our demands would not be unreasonable, because Japan would be entering the industry with a very high-quality raw material (meaning high efficiency and reduced chemical reactant costs), and from an ideal geographic location for global distribution.

Jovaun Lawson

jovaunlaw@gmail.com

If we do have rare earth elements here...

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Dear Editor,

The TVJ Schools' Challenge Quiz match aired on Friday, January 18 between Excelsior High School and Campion College has left many persons quite bitter and disillusioned.

The match ended 49 - 47 in favour of Excelsior. After all queries were done in the studio the score was still 49 - 47 in Excelsior's favour. The competitors for both teams were arranged on the set and the captain for the Excelsior team was to give his victory speech. There was an interruption and the judges and the team coaches were called to a meeting in the control room.

Lo and behold, upon emerging from the control room it was announced that Excelsior had eight points deducted from their score which meant that Campion were now declared the victors.

Four points were deducted because it was determined that the answer given to a Chemistry question was now wrong. The question had been queried in the studio by Campion's coaches and the judges had dismissed their query, saying that the answer that was given by Excelsior was correct.

So the question that had been deemed correct in public was now incorrect after the private meeting. It should be pointed out that the exact question was asked in a Schools' Challenge match between Kingston College and Oberlin in 2012, and the same answer, carbon 14, was given and accepted as correct, without any issues raised by anyone. How can an answer which was correct last year and correct in studio this year become incorrect in the control room of TVJ?

Excelsior was also penalised four points for responding without being verbally acknowledged. Nobody on the set, including the quizmaster by his own admission, had realised that he had not acknowledged Excelsior. He had ample time to acknowledge the team but didn't. Even though the quizmaster publicly said the error was his, the team was still penalised.

In the first round of the competition, Campion answered a Math question incorrectly. The quizmaster told them it was incorrect and then Campion's score went from seven to eight. Do we award points for incorrect answers?

Mr Editor, I would like TVJ to recognise that this situation affects the Excelsior and Campion teams. It also affects TVJ and those of us who are educators, because we sound irrelevant and outdated when we advocate the benefits of hard work.

Darron Fraser

darron_f@hotmail.com

Bitter and disillusioned over Schools' Challenge Quiz match

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Dear Editor,

A story that I have been following in the international media lately concerns the debate raging in the British Parliament about altering the rules of succession to the Throne of the Commonwealth Realms.

As early as April 2011 there have been proposals from the current ruling coalition of Conservatives and Liberal Democrats that the centuries-old rules of agnatic primogeniture should be cast aside in favour of something that's more egalitarian. There has also been a proposal to remove the ban on Catholics or persons married to Catholics ascending the throne.

In November of that same year, at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting (CHOGM) in Perth, Australia, the leaders unanimously agreed with the British that the rules should be altered to facilitate what they call "equal primogeniture". They also agreed to form an intergovernmental committee spearheaded by New Zealand to thoroughly comb the proposals so that governments of the member states involved can draft similar proposals when the bill is being tabled in their respective parliaments.

Since last week, however, the British Government has tabled a green paper in the House of Commons spelling out the basic tenets of the new succession act, hoping to get the succession to the Crown Bill passed before July, which is the time predicted for the royal family to receive its newest member.

Other Commonwealth realms are still lagging behind with no word forthcoming on when they will start debating the succession bill in their own parliaments, since laws passed in the British Parliament would have no effect on the other nations involved.

While I admit that the intentions of Prime Minister Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Clegg may be honourable in trying to eliminate gender bias and religious discrimination from the system, so as to keep the monarchy up to date with the times, questions have been raised in several quarters as to whether or not these proposals have been carefully considered.

Among those concerned are the upper hierarchy of the Church of England and also the Prince of Wales, who is the current heir to the throne, both of whom warned that the succession bill may have unintended consequences if it is hurriedly passed rather than carefully considered.

In an article published on the Parliamentary website on Monday, January 21, 2013 a committee of the House of Lords also expressed its concerns on the issue. In doing so it warned the House of Commons not to fast-track the bill, given the significant constitutional implications it may have in the future. The committee also echoed Prince Charles' warning about unintended consequences of altering the rules.

I must confess that I heartily agree with those who have raised concerns about the new rules of royal succession. Several issues arise, such as the relation between Church and State in the UK, the ground-breaking precedents that will be set as it relates to the system of peerages, and the legal backlash that could follow in years to come should a younger son stake his claim to the throne using a long catalogue of historical precedent or areas of statute law, such as the Act of Settlement, as a legal argument.

Politicians from all over the Commonwealth, and particularly Britain, should remember that wars have been fought before over the very issue they are debating now. One can take a look at the Battle of Hastings or the decades-long War of the Roses to see what I'm talking about.

While I will admit that another outright confrontation of that nature from rival claimants to the Crown is highly unlikely, disputes over succession rights may take many forms.

This rush by the political elite to get this bill passed without careful consideration or without consulting the general population is evidence of their arrogance and desire to impose their will upon everyone else, a view that was shared by an article published in the Daily Telegraph.

Like others before who have expressed concern over the bill, I am also of the view that the issue is too sensitive to be rushed. Legislators must spend time and due consideration to discuss all areas involved that will have major implications for the future of the Commonwealth realms. If this is not done, then it's better to leave well enough alone.

Jason Green

sirj_green@hotmail.com

Why the rush to pass the succession bill?

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Dear Editor,

There has been much discussion about the lacklustre performance of several ministers within the Portia Simpson Miller-led Cabinet, some of whom I believe are wrongly assigned.

This, however, is not unique to this Cabinet, as others before have been similarly handicapped to varying extents.

As a result of that challenge, aside from merely creating jobs as payback for political loyalty and support, consultants and advisors are otherwise employed to provide the skills and competencies of which the ministers are devoid.

One way to lessen the need for the huge number of advisors and consultants is for both major political parties to select more than just 'pedigreed', deep-pocketed, popular, or 'winnable' candidates to run for office. Greater emphasis should be placed on selecting candidates with particular competencies and track records that will afford for the election of parliamentarians who will provide a better talent pool from which to form cabinets.

Naturally, this move would bring about an improvement in the overall platform of governance, as the people would more than likely be better represented and the apathy, lack of respect and distrust for the politicians could be ameliorated.

Given our system of governance, the prime minister does not have the latitude to pull suitably qualified people from the larger society to occupy ministerial positions, except for possibly appointing up to four such through the Senate. Therefore, the prime minister has to depend largely on the elected parliamentarians from his/her party to form the executive.

Admittedly, even with skilled ministers in place, there will still be instances in which certain expertise and highly technical skills would be needed. However, a lot fewer advisors and consultants would be necessary.

Another way to avoid employing those advisors and consultants, who do not bring any highly technical or particular expertise to the job, is to implement a parliamentary internship programme, which would see talented tertiary level students, and/or recent such graduates not yet fully employed, interning with parliamentarians/ministers and, in so doing, obtaining credits towards their degree programmes.

Stipends, far less than the salary packages given to the consultants and advisors, could be offered to the interns, which could assist in satisfying their college-related expenses or provide a little assistance to the graduates in the interim.

Our parliamentarians outside of the executive do not have proper support staff and several of them are not particularly skilled, have the time or the know-how to engage in certain research to better inform their positions on matters brought before the Parliament for debate. Interns could therefore come in handy there.

But, then again, since independence of thought is not quite a fixture in our political model, accepting and embracing the party positions, however flawed or inimical to national or their constituents' interests, is seemingly acceptable for most of our parliamentarians.

Kevin KO Sangster

sangstek@msn.com

Prescription for cutting the number of gov't advisors

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Dear Editor,

Too often what passes for informed commentary in Jamaica is nothing but useless drivel that deceives only the ignorant. A case in point is the investigation by British and United States authorities into allegations of corruption against former officials of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government.

The Jamaican-owned Sandals Resorts International got caught up in the matter because one of its officers made unauthorised transfer of funds to a member of the former Michael Misick Government. That, according to reports here, involved mail fraud from the US.

Sandals and its principals did what any innocent company would do — volunteer to co-operate with the authorities and gave them everything they wanted to establish the truth of what was done.

In the end, Sandals had to pay the penalty of US$12 million to the people of the TCI, because of the actions of an officer who was close to officials, too close one would say. The money seems large, but in the world of international investigations of this nature, Sandals got off lightly because it was felt that "the co-operation of the company with the United States authorities (was) to a degree that has been acknowledged to be both extraordinary and unique, and included the early and voluntary releases of valuable evidence..."

We in the TCI are happy that it was not worse. It is conceivable that Sandals could have been forced to close its hotels here — which so many of us depend on for a living — all because of the greed and corrupt nature of man. I hope the culprit is enjoying the fruits of his corruption, because the long arm of the law is reaching out for him.

We are naturally hoping that this blow does not discourage Sandals or its owner, Mr Gordon 'Butch' Stewart, from continuing to expand here and in other parts of the Caribbean, providing worthwhile jobs and supporting the struggling economies of our region in this time of recession.

Pedrago Lumiere

Providenciales

Keep the faith, Mr Stewart,

the Caribbean needs you

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Dear Editor,

I must express my absolute disgust with the condition of the JUTC buses. As a commuter, it is not uncommon to spot the many 'unaccounted minors' that occupy human space.

The 'unaccounted minors' of which I speak are the many roaches that crawl in the creases of the windows of the yellow JUTC buses. These insects are such native dwellers that they seem to ignore human presence as they move freely about the buses.

The announcement that fares are to be increased to ride these unsanitary buses has infuriated me even more.

The air-conditioning vents in the buses are filthy, as they are clogged with mounds of dust.

I would like such health hazards to be properly rectified before further talks of a fare increase are entertained.

Alex Smirnoff

Molynes Road

Kingston 10

JUTC buses filthy

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Dear Editor,

I had the pleasure of listening to President Obama of the USA give his inauguration address to the nation and the world, and I have to say that it was the finest speech I have heard in years.

I am not sure who writes his speeches, but I suspect it must be a speech writer, and I would believe Obama's personal contribution is significant, or vice versa. His words were expressive and his tone was sincere, so for all I know he delivered an honest message, unlike many speakers today.

His main point was that "No single person can train all the math and science teachers, and face the numerous other problems including war, youth, diversity of people, road networks, and research labs, unless it is done by one people, one nation, putting their efforts together."

This indeed is an excellent lesson, and should be applied to every growing country, including Jamaica.

The divisions in Jamaica — PNP and JLP, privileged and poor, educated and undereducated — are not so great that we cannot close them.

We must realise we are indeed our brother's helper, keeper and companion, and together — only together — can we resolve our pressing issues.

President Obama explained his interpretation of the inescapable conclusions:

1. "No nation founded on the principles of liberty and equality can survive half slave and half free. Together, we discovered that a modern economy, with its railroads and highways, its colleges and hospitals, needs its trained workers.

2. "A free market only thrives under fair rules of competition and fair play.

3. "Together, we learned that a successful nation must care for its vulnerable, women and older people, and give them adequate protection.

4. "We should never relinquish our scepticism of a central authority, nor be fooled by the fiction that all society's ills can be covered by a Government alone. This is the road to totalitarianism, which rejects the effort and contribution of the many."

The president related the feats of the USA and the lessons learned: "We must fight and find a solution to climate change; and while protecting ourselves, avoid perpetual war. That all of us are created equal, and we should not depart this existence without knowing that our children's lives are cared for, and cherished, and always safe from harm.

"Delay cannot be encouraged when decisions need to be made. We cannot mistake self-interest for principle; or substitute spectacle for politics; or name-calling for debate. Today's triumphs are only temporary, and it remains that for the stalwarts to carry the mission to its end."

What needs to be observed in the USA and in Jamaica is common effort and purpose, with passion and dedication. Then we can challenge the call of destiny, when togetherness is our guiding principle.

Ramesh Sujanani

rsujanani78@gmail.com

Obama's brilliant speech

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Dear Editor,

What a very interesting column Dr Johnston wrote last Friday! It was chock full of interesting questions and presumptions.

Did you know that the Bible gives the identity of the antichrist?

“The antichrist” is shown to be a class made up of individual antichrists — 1 Jo 2:18; 2 Jo 7.

1 John 2:18 — Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour.

2 John 7 — For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist.

You will note the use of the plural and then the singular collective noun. Is there a biblical precedent for this?

Yes.

Cross references:

1. 2 John 1:7 : See 1 John 2:18, 26

2. 2 John 1:7 : 1 John 4:1

3. 2 John 1:7 : 1 John 2:22; 4:2, 3

There are other collective nouns in the Bible. Look, for example, at the following: Isa 43:10 God addressed the collective group of the Israelite nation and told them: “You are my witnesses [plural]… even my servant [singular] whom I have chosen.”

Matt 24:48

Cross references: 1. 1 John 2:18 : [2 Tim. 3:1; James 5:3; 2 Pet. 3:3; Jude 18]

2. 1 John 2:18 : ver. 22; ch. 4:3; 2 John 7; [Matt. 24:5, 24]

3. 1 John 2:18 : [ch. 4:1; Matt. 24:5] 4. 1 John 2:18 : 1 Tim. 4:1

The faithful and discreet slave mentioned here is also composite. No one person could be put in control of all Christ’s (the master’s) belongings.

So you see, Dr Johnston, there are many antichrists and we can identify them. Granted, many may seek to deceive us with what they believe, but their fruits will give them away.

Elaine Hope

avideducator@hotmail.com

Dear Editor,

The Christian Brethren Assemblies Jamaica (CBAJ) recently hosted a press conference at which they discussed their position paper on homosexuality.

While reading through the document, I lamented the fervour with which church leaders use homosexuality as a wedge issue to keep themselves relevant in public discourse on morality. I encourage anyone interested in seeing firsthand the moral bankruptcy that guides the church’s teachings on homosexuality to read the position paper.

Its contents are used as talking points by all major Christian organisations. Among the most predictable claims outlined is that “homosexual behaviour can be changed” because “many individuals who desire to abstain from homosexual acts have been able to do so”.

However, sexuality is a welldefined predisposition that exists whether or not someone is sexually active. A celibate gay person, or a gay person who initiates intercourse with someone of the opposite sex for functional purposes, is still a gay person.

The position paper goes on to explain that “some homosexual [sexual] acts are physically harmful because they disregard normal human anatomy and function”. Firstly, gays do not have a monopoly on any sexual practice. What the position paper refers to as “homosexual acts” really are just “sexual acts”.

Secondly, while the CBAJ believes the gay “lifestyle” is “obsessed with and/or dominated by personal sexual fulfilment”, “homosexual acts” also include deciding between bush tea or coffee, going to work, volunteering at community charities and supporting friends and family.

Church leaders persistently employ double-speak in addressing homosexuality and homophobia. On one hand, they claim that “anyone struggling with homosexual temptation should evoke neither scorn nor enmity, but evoke our concern, compassion, help, and understanding”. On the other, “the Christian community must help society understand that homosexuality has grave spiritual, emotional, physical, and cultural consequences” and “Christians should oppose legislative attempts to grant special rights based on sexual behaviour”.

As self-proclaimed guardians of public morality, their statements sound noble, until one sees the well-oiled propaganda machine that church leaders utilise to demonise, disenfranchise and silence gay people. You cannot actively work to sustain the cultural environment that makes violence against gay people permissible while claiming you support nonviolence. That is barefaced hypocrisy.

In addition, it is telling that the CBAJ would label as “special rights” the demands made by social justice advocates to recognise the humanity of gays. The rights to privacy, to love, to self-expression, and to dignity cannot be “special rights” if these are human rights and if these rights are already held by the majority.

The position paper includes a number of colourful fables about gay people: homosexuals engage in active recruitment, because, obviously, same-sex attraction is induced, never innate; homosexuals are nonmonogamous and promiscuous by nature, while heterosexuals, by deduction, are predisposed to monogamy; homosexuality and paedophilia are essentially twin perversions, even though paedophiles are repulsed by adults and often molest children of both sexes, while the majority of child sex offenders who have adult relationships are heterosexual; and homosexual parents raise homosexual children, in the same way, I suppose, that heterosexual parents raise only heterosexual children.

Antiquated and harmful narratives about gay people get entrenched when those of us who know better refuse to challenge the fear-mongering and the ignorance of those we consider arbiters of morality and paragons of virtue.

As more gay people affirm their sexual identities, it will become obvious that most are upstanding citizens who are struggling alongside heterosexuals to make the best of a difficult life in Jamaica. The ranks of the most respected professions are replete with gay people. In fact, many Jamaicans are employed and supervised by gays.

As more Jamaican Christians engage with gay couples at home, at school, in communities, and in workplaces, they will reconsider whether God is truly infallible and if His condemnation of samegender loving people is morally absolute. The lies woven into the fabric of public consciousness will begin to unravel and the church will be held in contempt.

Javed Jaghai

sandevaj@gmail.com

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There are many antichrists, Dr Johnston

There are many antichrists, Dr Johnston

Moral bankruptcy guiding the church’s teachings on homosexuality

Moral bankruptcy guiding the church’s teachings on homosexuality