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Analogue TV time is running out

February 21, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

For the most part, the Jamaican consumer is uneducated and misinformed about his/her rights. Added to this, our consumer protection agencies are lacklustre and short of resources, thus greatly hampering their obligations to the consumer.

Consequently, the Jamaican consumer continues to be taken advantage of by those among us who provide goods and services. Recently, I was informed by a sales representative at a major appliance store that anyone with an analogue television two years from now will be "switched off". The term 'switch off' here means the support for analogue transmission will be stopped, allowing only digital transmission in 2015.

What is going to happen to those of us who have analogue TVs? More Jamaicans, I suspect, have analogue television sets than digital.

Digital Television (DTV) frees up parts of the broadcast spectrum. By so doing, it allows for public safety communications, and Jamaica could benefit immensely by having our police and fire department on the broadcast spectrum.

There is also a great opportunity to increase the players in the cable industry, as the spectrum space can be auctioned off to subscriber television operators. The International Telecommunications Union (ITU), at a regional conference in 2006, established 2015 as the date for the analogue switch-off. However, despite this, many of our leading appliance stores in Jamaica are still selling analogue television sets to unsuspecting and unaware consumers. This is a most underhand and wicked practice, especially in light of the high cost for these appliances, more so flat-screens TVs. It is time our consumer protection agencies begin a public relations campaign aimed at informing the society why it is imperative they purchase only digital television sets.

We also need to hear from the Broadcasting Commission regarding this most important issue that will have implications for many Jamaicans.

An audit should also be done at those business places which are selling analogue TVs, and they should be urged to cease and desist from doing so.

Not many Jamaicans are aware that come 2015 their analogue television sets will be 'switched off'.

The international community is moving to digital transmission for many reasons. Digital transmission allows for better use of available frequency resources allowing other services such as Wi-Fi access to be transmitted over the same airwaves.

Secondly, digital transmission provides for better television viewing experience, as it provides crystal clear pictures and superior audio quality.

Finally, digital transmission adds the ability for interactive television and multiple programming choices, called multicasting.

There is a tendency for us to sit idly by as the world moves ahead. However, let us break from that tradition and culture and get our house in order. As a society, we have less than two years to join the international community in this bold and innovative move in the realm of entertainment.

Wayne Campbell

waykam@yahoo.com

Analogue TV time is running out

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Reduce paper investments

February 22, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

I encourage us all not to revert to becoming a nation of paper entrepreneurs. Too often we are caught in the cycle of investing in bonds, repos and other forms of paper instruments. Don't get me wrong, this is all well and good when it forms a part of a diversified investment portfolio. Unfortunately, this has not been the case, wherein most people are not willing to take the chances that are correlated with true entrepreneurship. The government of Jamaica must lead by example and revamp our manufacturing sector and grow our production and export numbers to record levels.

As we launch this much needed IMF programme, let us focus on a few niche areas. We need to empower our people with the tools needed for sustainable development. At a recent University of the West Indies Caribbean conference, Nicolas Eyzaguirre, director of the IMF's Western Hemisphere, highlighted that "the Caribbean region needs to tackle the obstacles to higher growth by coming up with new and home-grown ideas to enhance its prospects."

These out-of-the-box ideas will bear fruit when we all become entrepreneurial minded.

Richard Longmore

richardlongmore@yahoo.com

Reduce paper investments

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A killer tax blow

February 22, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

Successive governments seem to be in the business of giving today and taking back tomorrow. A forward step followed by a backward step results in net zero movement. More often than not, the backward step exceeds the forward step resulting in a net loss.

This has been the case over the years as Government makes small steps forward - mostly for political expediency- that cannot be sustained, resulting in a reversal down the road.

The new Customs Administration Fee (CAF) is a case in point. Previously the Customs User Fees (CUF) were introduced and subsequently rolled back for manufacturers. The manufacturers were also encouraged to become Authorised Economic Operators (AEO) that would help expedite the clearance process at the ports. As of April 1, 2013, the clearance fee per container will move from about $3,500.00 to $45,000.00 (AEO fee $20,000 + container fee $25,000.00). This is in addition to the other existing fees.

I realise that the Government MUST raise revenue, but it should not be without vision. A fee of this magnitude will only serve to be inflationary, as the producer has no choice but to pass this additional charge on to the consumer. The Government tells us that they want to promote local production and exports and at the same time reduce imports. If they are serious about this mandate, they need to reduce the fee or make it exempt for importers of raw/packaging material. Users of glass have no option but to import, as we no longer have a glass factory locally.

We essentially have to import all our glass bottles and then export the finished product, which puts us at a clear disadvantage over other countries that produce their own packaging. We cannot afford additional charges at this time as it will only serve to make our products more expensive, thereby reducing demand. Wheel and come again, minister.

Andrew Gray

Gray's Pepper

A killer tax blow

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Why celebrate Black History Month?

February 22, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

Almost into March, we can reflect on the successes and failures of this month -- one of which is the outpouring of supportive and unsupportive responses for Black History Month celebrations.

The events of the past are never dead. Our history that we have seen, heard and experienced shapes our perceptions of reality, the frames of reference which we bring to bear when we seek to interpret current events. Thus, we bring our history with us from the past and we use our history to decide on those actions we take which, in turn, shape our future.

Now, my question: Why celebrate Black History Month in a black-dominated country? That's almost as absurd as North America celebrating "White History Month". To what end? No one is shunting away "Black History Month", but this chapter in history is celebrated every day and is inconsistent with our motto "Out of Many One People".

The intention of this annual celebration is an offshoot of Black History Month in the US and other places to celebrate their ethnic minorities, so why then aren't we celebrating our ethnic minorities?

If we are to progress as a society, we cannot do so from a position of ignorance of our history in all its facets. This enquiry, if used wisely, gives us an opportunity to begin a process of ventilation and discussion of our past which can become an embedded feature of national discourse. In that process we may just find the keys to genuine national emancipation.

Andrew King

abking020@gmail.com

Why celebrate Black History Month?

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We missed a great opportunity

February 22, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

There has been much dialogue on the topic of breadfruit flour in recent times, and I thought it necessary to enlighten those interested in the topic on the beginnings of this project.

In 1970, work was done at the food technology division of the ministry of trade and industry on a series of recipes for the use of the product, (which was useful to persons with sprue, an allergy to gluten in wheat flour) including cake, biscuits and bread. We had found that the ideal ratio of breadfruit flour to wheat flour was 30-70.

This loaf had the breadfruit taste, was a pale yellow colour, with a lovely crust. Three supermarkets agreed to carry the item, and we had available recipes for the various products.

Stanford Research Institute of California was given the contract by the US Government to assist us in marketing this product. They wanted 5,000 pounds of the flour to start the work. Stanford Research Institute was also interested in banana flour and instant Passion Fruit powder.

There was great appreciation for the work and two large firms wanted to market the items for us; all they wanted to know was how much material we could supply and how soon.

The then minister of agriculture was sceptical about their intentions and subsequently the contracts were cancelled by the ministry. In 1960 I wrote a report for the ministry of trade and industry on fish farming, pointing out that we should copy the Middle Eastern countries which were planting rice and fish together. This resulted in better output for the rice and with added returns from selling the fish. In addition there was the practice of using tide waters to harvest fish and shrimp from the small rivulets which empty to the sea.

Sluice gates would be opened at high tide, fish and shrimp would enter the river, the gates would be closed and the creatures allowed to remain for three months, allowing for further growth. After this the gates would be reopened at low tide, allowing the fish and shrimp to be harvested on their way out. From the foregoing it can be seen that we as a country have let our chances for food security go a-begging.

Ancile Gloudon

Ancile.gloudon@gmail.com

We missed a great opportunity

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Clamp down on stealing

February 22, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

The government is starving for revenue and every chance it gets it hikes fees on the owners of motor vehicles and/or imposes more taxes on the overburdened taxpayers.

Meanwhile, in a clime where the "law is not a shackle", we have thousands of citizens breaking the law, and even more of our citizens are getting involved in acts of criminality, such as stealing electricity.

A wise government would "take one stone and kill two birds". A wise government, in order to stamp out the rampant theft and get needed revenue, would enact legislation to arrest, prosecute and impose stiff fines and/or imprisonment for stealing. Look at the revenue windfall that could be generated if a mandatory minimum fine of $10,000 plus court costs of $1000 were to be imposed for each breach of theft of electricity.

Do the math.

Authnel Reid

Authnelreid@optonline.net

Clamp down on stealing

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Welcome plan to go easy on obeah

February 25, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

As a historian who has spent several years researching the history of prosecutions for obeah in Jamaica and elsewhere in the Caribbean, I welcome Senators Lambert Brown and Tavares-Finson's plan to propose the decriminalisation of obeah in the Senate.

The 1898 Obeah Act is, as Senator Tavares-Finson states, part of the legacy of colonial rule. It succeeded several other laws against obeah passed after the end of slavery. Its supporters claimed it would eradicate the Jamaican population's connection to Africa — part of a wider project of allegedly reforming and modernising what was then a colony.

I was surprised, however, that your reporter describes obeah as 'a Jamaican form of voodoo'. Vodou (as the word is more appropriately spelled) is a religion that developed in Haiti, drawing on Dahomean and Kongolese beliefs and practices as well as Catholicism.

Obeah developed separately, in Jamaica and elsewhere in the Anglophone Caribbean, with connections to the religions of many parts of West Africa, as well as to European, Indian and North American practices. It has been a crime for so long — since 1760, when it was first criminalised in Jamaica — that its illegal status has been central to its definition.

Obeah developed separately, in Jamaica and elsewhere in the Anglophone Caribbean, with connections to the religions of many parts of West Africa, as well as to European, Indian and North American practices. It has been a crime for so long — since 1760, when it was first criminalised in Jamaica — that its illegal status has been central to its definition.

Because the law defined obeah as a form of witchcraft, few have used the term to describe what they do. I would also question Senator Tavares-Finson's focus on the legal definition of 'Myalism' as the same as obeah. While I agree that the equation of the two is problematic, an amendment that simply removed the reference to Myalism but left the rest of the Act intact would remain, in his words, 'a leftover from colonialism'. In practice, the Obeah Act and similar laws elsewhere, were used to prosecute people for a very wide range of activities, including some that would be recognisable to Jamaicans today as 'obeah' and many that we would now consider to be bush medicine, balm healing, or Revival worship.

The existence of the law was part of a broader stigmatisation of anything considered African. It made religious activities that would be legal in other countries or contexts, punishable by imprisonment and flogging. The law has hardly been used since the early 1960s, and its continued existence is anachronistic.

Several other Caribbean countries, including Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago, have rewritten their law to decriminalise obeah. Those interested can find out more about the history of obeah law and the prosecutions that it led to by visiting my website: www.obeahhistories.org.

Dr Diana Paton

Reader in Caribbean History

Newcastle University, UK

Welcome plan to go easy on obeah

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Health centre nightmare

February 25, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

The need to build a proper health centre befitting human dignity for residents of Golden Spring and its environs in West Rural St Andrew long outdates the first formal request for funding made to the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) in 2004.

The existing facility, a Type One clinker board and infested hovel of a clinic, needed overhaul soon after its creation in the early 70s.

JSIF has now demonstrated that it has all in place under a Basic Needs Programme to fund a new facility with the residents. This offer for funding by JSIF has been on the table for some time now, but they have indicated that if there is no execution of the project soon, then the funds will be redirected.

In the meantime, it seems that a bureaucratic problem has developed between the Kingston and St Andrew Health Department, South East Regional Health Authority, and the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation, the latter indicating a no-go until it gets a formal agreement to collect land rental for the government-owned land on which the existing facility is located.

While time slips perilously by and the JSIF ultimatum looms, the mostly female residents of 12 adjoining communities which the facility serves "suck salt" in a building which is a nightmare for them all. Will some kind person bring this letter to the attention of Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller?

Derrick Simon

President

Golden Spring Citizens' Association

St Andrew

Health centre nightmare

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Frustrated by Digicel service

February 25, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

I am frustrated by Digicel's treatment of us the customers, who for almost 12 years have kept their business afloat.

It is a downright disgrace to see the Office of Utilities Regulation having to come out publicly recently to give Digicel 'the Bigger Better Network' a deadline to address customer complaints. I find it to be gross disrespect and total disregard for the hard-earned money that Jamaicans have spent with that company causing the OUR to step in.

With the new "improved" call rates announced by Digicel after their competition introduced their $2.99 per minute rate, I am yet to see a difference in the talk time value. When the 'Sweet Deal' was introduced, I was elated to utilise it until I came to the realisation that I was being billed per minute for each call, so a call lasting for five minutes and 15 seconds would be billed as a six-minute call.

Making a call which goes straight to voicemail without ringing, should not cost a customer, as we don't have the option to end the call before the automated voicemail is played. How is that value for my money when I end up paying for talk time unused?

The rights of customers and value should be top priority for all business entities as all businesses thrive off customer support. But instead, poor mobile services, dastardly customer service and overpriced call rates have been a part of the package sold to us with the purchase of Digicel devices and SIM cards.

Digicel, your actions in dealing with the Jamaican people are beginning to mirror that of JPS, but unlike JPS, another company offers the same services, so this is my farewell.

Novelette Tate

Kingston 19

Frustrated by Digicel service

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Utter rubbish about God, church

February 25, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

I am somewhat amazed at the continuous rants by Mr Michael Dingwall and Mr Hilaire Sobers against anything that bears any semblance of God or the church.

The assertions by Mr Dingwall in his recent letter decrying the strength of the church's resistance to pressure over the debate surrounding the acceptance of homosexuality, is quite absurd and pointless. He should bear in mind that whilst the church over the years has not been without faults, or in this case, sin, in many areas, it has been the single most powerful institution standing in the way of dictators and totalitarians. It has been the voice of morality and good family values which contribute to a healthy society. No state or agency anywhere in the world, with the exceptions of some Islamic countries, can deny this claim. The church has been vital in ensuring most of the freedoms we enjoy today, such as our privilege to be able to openly criticise them.

So to juxtapose the church as being weak and bowing to pressure in an instance is flawed thinking.

Both gentlemen over time have eloquently put forth arguments denouncing Christianity and its values, yet they fail to promulgate their own philosophy of what would be considered good moral principles and/or healthy lifestyles. Both gentlemen seem to be confused or downright idiotic in their own belief system, due to the fact that they spend a lot of time trying to denounce the existence of God, whether by reference to scientific research, which to date cannot be substantiated, or by way of so-called intellectual reasoning.

One of the problems with humanity is that it is very quick to dispel whatever it is ignorant of. Not knowing the facts does not mean they are not true. We cannot see the breath that we breathe, but yet it is the very life that we live. We cannot see our thoughts but we know they exist.

The greatest of inventions were merely beliefs at one stage. Alberto Santos-Dumont believed before actualising the aeroplane. Karl Benz conceptualised the motor car before inventing it. If either gentleman would have had a conversation with you about the possibilities of such inventions beforehand, you would have probably disregarded their ambitions and labelled them as delusional.

Now, I am not sure of how your thought processes work, but if I knew something not to be real, it would be futile of me to continue to try and prove that it isn't. Einstein would probably attribute insanity to my very existence.

I challenge both Mr Dingwall and Mr Sobers to honestly say who is the fool in this picture: The one who says something is real and tries to prove it, or the one who knows that something is not real and tries to prove it.

After all "the fool does say in his heart there is no God"— Psalm 14:1.

Melvin Pennant (MAP)

warriorsunleashed@gmail.com

Utter rubbish about God, church

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Deal with Germany

February 26, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

This letter is directed to the government of Jamaica.

If a Jamaican had burned that flag, what would you have done with him or her?

Let's not answer that question here.

What I suggest is that you immediately contact the German Embassy and ask for an apology.

Don't be afraid to do that. Germany is a nation of order.

You are not afraid to DEAL with the people of Jamaica if they fall out of line!

Rosemarie Greene

rosie_08@cwjamaica.com

Deal with Germany

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An act of disrespect

February 26, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

I would just like to speak on a burning issue. I find the Saturn commercial to be in poor taste. It is very disrespectful that our flag should be burnt and stomped on for a commercial (computer graphics or not).

However, there are certain tragic truths that we as a people should look at in analysing this situation. In the first instance, we must acknowledge that this commercial could have been produced using just about any flag on earth. Additionally, we must also consider that the commercial could have been made using a fictitious country and it would have yielded the same result. Unfortunately, this is not the case.

I firmly believe that it is no coincidence that this comes closely on the back of the VW commercial, which yielded a lot of attention in international media, particularly because of the contention created thereafter. Therefore, it must be a specific act of disrespect, hoping to bring a lot of attention to Saturn. I, for one, have never heard of the company before this commercial and I am certain that the intended publicity was received. The intention is not to produce a funny commercial; certainly that produces a soothing effect to some. No, the intention is to offend, and by offending, bring about unearned attention.

We can take two approaches, ask for an apology and get on with life when they say sorry - as they probably will without our request in any event (There's the old saying, "It's easier to say sorry than it is to say please"); or alternately, we may take them to court and sue them for use of our intellectual property without our permission. We can bear in mind that the Jamaican flag is our trademark and this has been established through use, whether or not it has been registered.

The doctor is searching for money, he could incorporate this. We should make a statement that this fire will not be a cool breeze behind their tails.

Robert Howell

roberthowelljm@yahoo.com

An act of disrespect

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Supporting Obeah is disturbing

February 26, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

As a Christian I am deeply disturbed that any well-thinking Jamaican, let alone our legislators Senators Lambert Brown and Tom Tavares-Finson, would think to introduce legislation to sink our already ailing country into deeper distress by decriminalising (legalising) Obeah.

Instead of seeking to bring our country closer to God, given that we are a Christian nation, we are seeking to legalise the very things that God opposes. The Bible tells us that God HATES and FORBIDS all such practices of medians, spiritists, witchcraft etc, which clearly therefore includes vodoo and Obeah. I have read Dr Diana Paton letter published Feb 25, 2013 in the Daily Observer and my stomach churned as I read it to think that yet again here is another overseas-based observer being published in our local newspaper seeking to support this 'evil' agenda. Well, neither the Church nor the Lord Jesus Christ will stand idle, while our legislators drag this nation to hell along with them.

Instead of seeking to direct or nation towards what is right to God, we pass laws that are eroding our morals and values which is what helps to keep this nation afloat. What I would expect our leaders to be doing is to have lobbied the Minister of Justice and the Minister of Security to actually enforce these laws ... not to remove them.

They should have the police visit so many of these pharmacies downtown, and see the number of Obeah oils, candles etc that are on sale in these 'Pharmacies' though Obeah remains illegal in our country. This is not about religious freedom, though that is another issue. This is intended to be destructive and not helpful to anyone. Why was it outlawed in Jamaica to begin with - because it was found to have been evil. The intentions were and still are evil, a wicked deception from the very evil spirits they evoke.

The very reason we got sold into slavery out of the 'mother' country Africa, was because we were entrenched into this evil practice (just like the Israelites were). As strange as it seems, our being shipped off from Africa was a blessing in disguise. Don't get me wrong, slavery was an evil thing, but the fact that we were removed from that environment and exposed to the true word of God became the blessing. I urge these Senators and our leaders to strengthen the laws against all such practices in our nation Jamaica and not seek to unleash them upon our people. There are simply some things in our history that were destructive and of no positive benefits to us as a people. Not all history is good to keep alive; some must die for us to move forward in the right direction.

Don't be deceived, evil is evil in all forms even if the 'well educated' are the ones putting it forward. I make a further appeal to those of our leaders who are true Christians, to oppose, oppose, oppose this move if you know your God. Do not be a part of the destruction of our nation. To these Senators I say to you, Sirs, the God who holds your heartbeat in his hands can stop you from doing this wickedness, but I recommend you stop yourself before He does. I close with only two bible scripture of many, please ponder it ...

Lev 20:6 "If a person turns to mediums and necromancers, whoring after them, I will set my face against that person and will cut him off from among his people.

Rev 21:8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death."

The Jamaican Watchman

Jamaica Opposed (to sin)

jaoppose@gmail.com

Supporting Obeah is disturbing

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Give youth a voice

February 26, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

Jamaica continues to be a country that has a very youthful population who can contribute so much to national development, but how will this happen if the voices of youth are just swept under the carpet?

Unfortunately, policies within Jamaica are not youth-friendly, since in the decision-making process the voices of youths are not recognised. While leaders from various organisations around the world are preparing to meet in Bogotá, Colombia, from 27 to 28 February 2013 to discuss what is working in their countries towards the Millennium Development Goals, most Jamaican youth will not be a part of this process. What happens after Post MDG 2015 in Jamaica is a crucial period which should see youth becoming more engaged in the decision-making process which ultimately impacts on their future. We will never achieve the Millennium Development Goals in Jamaica until youth are given the chance to voice their concerns.

Former Secretary of State, Hilary Rodham Clinton at "Youth Rising," Tunisia on February 25, 2012 states: "There are underlying dynamics that are affecting young people everywhere — changes in demographics and technology, economics and politics that are bringing together this unique moment in history. Young people are at the heart of today's great strategic opportunities and challenges, from rebuilding the global economy to combating violent extremism to building sustainable democracies."

It is on this premise that it becomes much clearer that input in decision-making should be coming from youth to identify unmet needs.

The USAID must be commended on presenting their first policy on youth in development; they have truly recognised the valuable contribution that youth can make in giving of their skills and resources in fostering holistic development in any nation. It is without reservation that I would recommend this policy to be used at its fullest potential within any given society where applicable.

A copy of this policy is available below in the link for your perusal.

http://transition.usaid.gov/our_work/policy_planning_and_learning/documents/Youth_in_Development_Policy.pdf

Jason Madden

SRHR Youth advocate

Deal with Germany

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Thank you, Jamaican Government!

February 27, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

I want to congratulate the Government of Jamaica for deceiving the poor and vulnerable people.

On the campaign trail, they told the nation that they can do better than the Jamaica Labour Party. They stated that the country was not facing a global crisis but a 'Jamaican Crisis' created by the JLP, also, how wicked and uncaring the JLP were as a Government.

Today, the same people have destroyed the little hope that was left in this country, as they came to power without a plan for the economy. They could not reveal their economic plan, as they did not want the JLP to steal it, but it can clearly be seen that all they had was a plan of lies, false hope and deception.

Is this people power? Which people? Their loyal advisors and friends who are now living lavishly? The nation has been deceived and has been pushed deeper into poverty and despair.

Is the poor better off now, 13 months later, than they were under the JLP?

Prime Minister, that question is for you, and when you give yourself an answer, please remember the good old saying: "To thine own self be true".

Collin Hutchinson

nilloc58@yahoo.com

Thank you, Jamaica Government!

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West Indian cricketers need help, not abuse

February 27, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

Dr Rudi Webster is a renowned sports psychologist who knows a lot about West Indies cricket. Sometime last year, Dr Webster observed that the West Indies team often displayed "a fear of winning" or words to that effect. Those of us who have watched the team carefully during the last 18 months or so would have noticed how frequently the team has given up strong positions whether batting or fielding, to end with defeat rather than victory. Often, what has taken place in such circumstances can be described as an implosion. Naturally, these implosions take the form of an individual or individuals taking injudicious actions while batting, or failing to remove ordinary opposition batsmen by failing to maintain line and length while bowling, or fielding poorly.

Administrators, commentators and fans tend therefore to excoriate the player or players for lack of character. Strangely, the administrators do not appear to see any connection between what Dr Webster has observed and what so often happens on the field.

I do not wish to pretend more expertise than I actually have, but it does seem obvious that many of the team's problems do not arise from lack of skill. Put more simply, it should not be almost always easier to get out high-quality batsmen than numbers eight and nine; and good West Indies batsmen should not so often get out while set, by making rash strokes.

Psychology is no longer an exotic practice. It is a recognised science that is widely used in several facets of life.

I am baffled by the unwillingness of West Indies cricket administrators to incorporate sports psychology as an integral part of West Indies cricket with a view to improving the winning percentage in international encounters.

The odds are very high that it will bear fruit.

We have gone through a long period when we explained all failures by lack of commitment from players. But administrators really do not try hard enough to help players; commentators do not even pay close attention to their performances. Kieron Pollard scored a one-day century in India in December, 2011, and another in the Caribbean last year.

Jeffrey Dujon, on TV on the eve of the just completed fourth ODI in Australia, in commenting on Pollard's batting, said that the latter had scored only one ODI hundred. Fortunately, Wavell Hinds was there to correct him. It is significant that an important commentator does not know what one of the West Indies most promising cricketers did internationally in the last 14 months. That may be partly the explanation for the failure of commentators during the last 20/20 competition in the Caribbean to even mention the serious eye injury suffered in Australia by the MVP of the last 20/20 World Cup final. Could this lack of concern be the reason that Tino Best, whose lifelong ambition was to play at the WACA, did not get a game at that storied ground or indeed, at any ground, until that series was decided?

The administration, including the coach, must take more responsibility for the players' performance by helping and encouraging them rather than creating suspicion about their attitude. I found Dwayne Bravo's recent statement on TV — that he has never consumed alcohol — revealing. That was not the image that the media has tried to create about a young man who reached the landmark of 150 one-day wickets in a shorter time span than the great Courtney Walsh.

Kemar Roach, a remarkable talent, counted as his pet peeve, the tendency for people to poke around into his business and draw incorrect conclusions. Could this be part of the reason he is frequently dropped, and what impact does the regular dropping have on his confidence? He was very recently the MVP in a Big Bash final, although he was not selected to represent even Barbados in the last 20/20 series.

The championship series is scheduled for June 2013. I urge management to give all the proven talent (even those out of form or deemed inconsistent) the most help that management can afford, including the retention of a sports psychologist, in preparation for that tournament.

Finally, I believe that the West Indies has special problems in one-day cricket that can be resolved by more careful and strategic planning. There is enough talent in the Caribbean right now to go all the way in England this summer. If I have reason to believe that the Board will take my advice, I shall go to London.

Hon Romain WM Pitt

Toronto, Ontario

romain.pitt@sympatico.ca

West Indian cricketers need help, not abuse

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How much has NWC cost us?

March 1, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

How can this country ever get out of debt with organisations like the National Water Commission around?

I wonder how many billions they have cost us over the years by digging up every road that is rehabilitated? (latest being the Palisadoes Road and some in Portmore).

Joan E Williams

Kingston

How much has NWC cost us?

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The Church has not failed

March 1, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

In recent times the Church has been under attack from those who do not understand what the institution is, do not want to understand, and those who are disobedient.

God created the world for the sake of communion with His divine life. After mankind fell into sin and disrupted that relationship with God and with his fellow men, God prepared for the Church in the Old Covenant by calling Abraham and promising that he would become the father of a great people.

Its immediate preparation began with Israel's election as the 'people of God', which made Israel the sign of the future gathering of all nations. But the prophets accused Israel of breaking the Covenant and behaving like prostitutes. They announced a new and eternal Covenant (Jeremiah 31) which was inaugurated by Jesus Christ to reunite all of mankind into one worldwide family of God, built on the teaching of the Apostles with Jesus Himself as the ultimate head (Ephesians 2).

In our media and popular culture, little is off limits in ridiculing and parodying the true Church, while in some instances promoting counterfeits, some of whom publicly preach and teach hatred, slander and malign others, and contradict and falsify scripture and history as their weapon to achieve what they call success.

History is repeating itself. Roots of the Reformation tells us how the media then were monopolised and manipulated by elements which had no respect for truth to gain ascendancy. The same is happening today in sections of the media.

Few know that western civilisation stands indebted to the Church for the university system, charitable work, international law, the sciences, important legal principles, and much more. These successes were made possible through the Church, because it teaches man to find answers to the most troubling questions in life, and social, moral, and spiritual values which are now considered irrelevant.

In the present culture, it is easy to forget, or not to learn in the first place, because people no longer seek knowledge and understanding beyond what it takes to earn a living, so most otherwise educated people are religiously ignorant and easily misled through their own fault. They have no excuse in this information age.

Power-drunk national leaders take possession of the foundations built by the Church and throw out the Church, together with the principles on which those foundations are built. Men endowed with gifts and talents to be used for building up the Kingdom of God on earth... use them to try to build their own little kingdoms instead.

Since they do not possess the moral or spiritual authority and the culture, strength and experience acquired over hundreds of years, their efforts result in the opposite of the desired result. The people who have failed the Church are those who have misused their free will and failed to make the right choice in spite of easier access to information and better educational opportunities.

The Church has not failed. Its facilities and guidance are always available.

Al James

alvalj@cwjamaica.com

The Church has not failed

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Focus on the young fathers too

March 1, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

I empathise somewhat with Senator Kamina Johnson Smith who is advocating that young girls who become pregnant be given a second chance to complete their education.

I think, however, that focus should be placed on the men who got these girls pregnant, in that they should be identified, placed in a programme from which they earn an income to take care of the family that they have created. The young women should not be the only ones left to bear the burden of the stigma.

The law, I expect, will deal with the older men who impregnate these schoolgirls.

These cases should be examined carefully and dispassionately, allowing each party to be treated justly.

Ed Johnson

edward.r.johnson@gmail.com

Focus on the young fathers too

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Honour Everett Koop's memory

March 1, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

The world has lost a sterling man in former United States Surgeon General C Everett Koop, a paediatric surgeon known for his anti-smoking campaigns.

C Everett Koop was not afraid to take on the big tobacco companies. He won!

So today, I challenge Jamaica to take a brave step and sign legislation, which has been waiting so long in the wings, to prohibit smoking in public spaces, and enforce that law. I have seen both administrations act in the same manner.

They seem to be afraid to do anything about this.

I have tried to find out from the Ministry of Health the status of the legislation and was disappointed that no one could tell me anything about it.

I ask you to enact this legislation now in memory of this awesome man.

Rosemarie Greene

The Smokefree Action Coalition

Spanish Town, Jamaica

spntwncitizensagv@cwjamaica.com

Honour Everett Koop's memory

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