Jamaica Observer

Dear Editor,

I am seriousy disturbed by the actions of both the past and current presidents of the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA).

If these men are really setting an example for students I recommend that the system be shut down entirely until we can find an alternative. It is no wonder the students behave in the manner they do.

I also suggest that we remove the present JTA President Clayton Hall from his post in the public interest. To incite a group of teachers in this fashion, and to exhibit such caustic verbal behaviour simply means he cannot handle his assignment.

To address Minister Thwaites in the manner they have is reason for the Government to do something about it now. How dare the former JTA president refer to Minister Thwaites as a "mongrel"? Mr Hall needs to reassess his behaviour and stop inciting the teachers.

You are leaders in school. The harsh behaviour is unbecoming.

Rosemarie Greene

spntwncitizensag@cwjamaica.com.

Poor JTA display

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Dear Editor,

I write in regard to the article which appeared in the Sunday Observer dated May 19, 2013 under the headline 'Nigerian-born dentist was on criminal charge'.

In the article, reference is made to an incident which occurred in July 2007 at the office of Dr Ogunsalu and it states that the source of the information was a newspaper report. Your newspaper, in giving prominence to Dr Ogunsalu, sought to rely on facts which are incorrect and which make for an erroneous view of the character of the doctor.

The reality is that Pauline Graham did assert that she had been assaulted and beaten all over her body by the doctor. However, at the end of the case for the prosecution a no-case submission was made on the doctor's behalf that the complainant (Graham in this case) had been so manifestly discredited in cross-examination that no reasonable tribunal, properly directed, could come to a decision adverse to the doctor.

The submission was upheld by the trial judge and the doctor was duly acquitted without having to state a defence. This was the basis upon which this case was decided and no other.

For your paper to insinuate any other reason only reflects the disdain with which the media regards the truth, especially in matters before the courts.

Incidentally, the accuracy of my recollection is based on the fact that I represented Doctor Ogunsalu in the matter in 2007 and I do have a case file with notes to refresh my memory.

Further, it is my understanding that when persons are acquitted attempts should not be made to use those circumstances as a basis to malign that person's character.

In the circumstances your reporter should correct this erroneous article as it contains innuendoes that are clearly designed to give the reader a negative view of the character Dr Ogunsalu.

Trevor E Ho-Lyn

Attorney-at-law

Montego Bay

St James

Dear Editor,

The Sunday Observer reported in yesterday edition that homeless gays have now taken over a residence on Millsborough Avene much to the dismay of neighbouring residents within this largely upscale community. These homeless gays once wrecked havoc in "the golden triangle" and parts of New Kingston for years with their boisterous, "out of control" behaviour.

Having been chased out of these areas by police, they've now relocated, moving on 'up' so to speak. Did we really expect them to just vanish?

The problem is complex. There are many marginalised persons, neglected and hated for whatever reasons. What you're seeing here is the end result of hate, discrimination and uncaring attitudes which for years and decades pushed some to the outskirts and fringes of society. They are now reacting the only way they know how. Can we really blame these homeless youngsters who have nowhere to live, no support financially?

Is there a likelihood that they probably aren't even squatting, but are being supported by someone who at least showed compassion by offering an empty house in Barbican?

Many of these youths had to flee their families, homes, communities, and at a very young age they were forced to fend for themselves, as grown adults do, even as they live in the wilderness out on the streets. Without social skills and education, they remain out of control as expected. No one cares; not Government, not people.

Many of these youths had to flee their families, homes, communities, and at a very young age they were forced to fend for themselves, as grown adults do, even as they live in the wilderness out on the streets. Without social skills and education, they remain out of control as expected. No one cares; not Government, not people.

Many of these youths have been subject to homophobic violence, attacks, and are now fighting back through anti-social behaviour -- all learnt -- not singularly, but collectively as a group. Isn't this exactly the same treatment they got from mainstream heterosexual society which pushed them to the edge in the first place?

Even the police now seem helpless. Violence cannot be condoned, there is absolutely no excuse, but fighting hate and discrimination is another issue completely. Activist groups, like J-FLAG, have also abandoned them; they are out of control youth, and most likely these groups fear they may tarnish the little reputation and advances they've made, so far, in a society where culture and attitudes are still largely homophobic.

As a society, we cannot ignore homelessness forever, especially youth with years ahead of them. If we do, the results could be catastrophic. Unless we start caring, we will only get more of this. Authorities need to step in and help to find a a safe shelter for homeless youths; where rehabilitative services, counselling and education and health services, along with food, shelter, can be provided in order to get these youth back on right track.

Their sexuality ought to be really irrelevant, they are human beings first, they are Jamaicans first. We cannot treat the most vulnerable in society -- children, elderly and poor and sick -- without some basic level of compassion, it speak volumes about who we are as a people, and what our Government really represent.

We cannot ignore these problems forever as if we don't care. I urge the Government to get involved, the church, lead by example. If not, this problem will only escalate significantly into other communities. Homelessness is not a joke, it also breeds violence, and other types of anti-social behaviour, which will only get worse.

Pete Delisser

pdelisser1988@yahoo.com

Youth homelessness is no joke

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Dear Editor,

For decades Jamaica has been trying to dig itself out of the rut of debt and poverty. A few years ago the people of St Thomas were enjoying increased employment through the mining industry, but speaking on behalf of many of my neighbours, colleagues and co-workers, things have taken a turn for the worse.

Now that the Government has set up the Harbour View Weigh Scale Station to check the weight of trucks transporting materials it has put a damper on the mining industry in St Thomas.

I support the grounds upon which the weight restrictions have been set, and understand the purpose being to prevent damage to the roadways caused by heavy-laden trucks. However, it is not fair that such restrictions have only been implemented in St Thomas, and miners throughout the rest of the island can freely transport their aggregates.

The weight restrictions have significantly decreased the amount of sand, stone and crushed limestone transported out of the parish per truck and, as such, business is moving away from my parish to other areas.

Due to this decrease in business, many of the residents who have invested in trucks and quarries are suffering from reduced income, and unemployment in the parish is on the rise.

It brings me pain to see hard work and investments slip away with the value of the Jamaican dollar as it is. Business for truck and quarry owners in St Thomas has become a real struggle and, personally speaking, my source of income is hanging on by a thread. It is time the Government level the playing field and promote fair trade in the mining industry and set up these weighing stations all across Jamaica or dismantle the one in my parish.

Russell Tomlinson

Yallahs,

St Thomas

Unbalanced mining scales

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Dear Editor,

The remarkable swiftness with which the law-enforcement agencies have dealt with the Boston Marathon murderers is a reminder to us all across the world of not just the death of distance, but also that privacy too has died - that wherever you are, whatever you do, you are likely to be on camera. Britain's royals William and Kate now know that only too well.

Today's technology is dictating that you will never again be alone: either it is "Big Brother" peering in on you at different angles from outer space; or the strategically located mini-drones which are becoming a feature of surveillance; or grandma fiddling with the fascinating little gift that she got for Christmas; or the little tot across the street testing the capabilities of a smartphone on you. All are likely, even if only by chance, to be focusing on you. Distance is dead. Privacy is a fossil.

That is where the "Marathon brothers" made their fatal slip. They must certainly have gone onto the Internet to obtain their bomb-making instructions — for anything you want to know , the best and the worst, lies there for the taking. But in their derangement, they looked no further than the capacity to wreak death and destruction, suffering, horror and fear on innocent Marathon watchers. Had they searched the Internet more carefully, they might have been dissuaded from their foul deed, for it would have provided them a lot of information to show that, with today's capabilities, the authorities can locate even the proverbial needle in a haystack. And so in time the killers were condignly dealt with.

The authorities in Washington and Boston are to be complimented for the clinical efficiency with which they handled the Marathon drama, and as I have suggested above, through available technology, a mission seemingly impossible, ie, unmasking/detaining the unknown bombers, was accomplished in just four days. This strengthens Americans' faith in their law-enforcement agencies, and warns would-be terrorists that eyes are all around and there will be no escape.

The one downside was President Obama's avoidance of calling the tragedy an act of terror in his first statement, when immediately to me it clearly was. In his second statement, Tuesday afternoon, he came out boldly and declared that, "any time bombs are used to target civilians, it is an act of terrorism," and later in the statement he promised with confidence "I can assure we will find out who did it and bring them to justice." And that has been done. A man of his word.

Now, with both bombers accounted for, the critical question is whether they acted independently or have links to an international terrorist organisation. Fortunately, terrorists are mostly always cowards or zealots, and in this case, one who sought to viciously snuff out other people's lives was found cowering in a backyard boat seeking to safeguard his own. He will be the source of much vital information about what prompted the act and what foreign links they might have had over the years; and, in my view, whatever international human rights groups might think, the authorities should get that information, by any means necessary.

Hubert Williams

hs.williams@comcast.net

The Boston bombing... and the death of privacy

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Dear Editor,

I strongly believe that the middle class young professionals in Jamaica are in the middle of a deep dark sea, where we are waving for help but no one is hearing our pleas and cries.

This dire situation is evident in the prime minister's announcement of the Inner-city Renewal Programme which is expected to provide modern-day housing complexes to persons who, in most cases, don't contribute to the National Housing Trust (NHT). On the other hand, several middle class young professionals, who contribute monthly to NHT will not qualify to obtain benefits through these inner-city renewal projects.

Additionally, there are also other housing development been undertaken by NHT and other private developers which the middle class young professionals cannot afford. A look at the NHT's website reveals housing scheme properties being priced as high as $36 million, with the Trust only providing a minuscule $4.5 million in loan. This would again mean that these housing developments would be out of the reach of the middle class young professions, all this while the Government has decided to raid the coffers of the NHT of $45.6 billion.

As a middle class young professional who has served our country and decided to stay in the homeland, no matter the economic or social pressures, I am asking that the current Administration show us some love too!

Dwight Maitland

St Catherine

onlydwight@gmail.com

Who loves the middle class young professionals?

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Dear Editor,

The current minister of education often waxes poetic about what is needed for the rescue of Jamaica's education system. And many have lauded Mr Thwaites for his 'honest' statements and his headmaster-like sternness in dealing with the challenges of the system.

There is a problem, however, as a deeper look into the statements and attitude of the minister shows a shocking arrogance hidden only by a thin veil of intellectual verbosity. The minister, it seems, has now fully exposed his arrogance, and the teachers are not happy.

I was shocked after the minister's budget presentation to hear that the cuts he decreed to teachers' benefits were not arrived at through consultation. Shocked because the Administration of which this minister is a member railed against perceived non-consultation by the previous administration. Shocked also, because the teachers just signed a wage freeze, so it is only reasonable to assume that all intended cuts would have been explained and discussed with them, so that they were clear about what they were signing to.

That the Government hid such an important issue from the teachers when discussing their wages must seem like a betrayal and dishonesty to them, hence the level of anger displayed.

The Government, as a previously strident Opposition, campaigned on a platform of trust, humility, good governance and transparency. A platform that is now so rotted that its remnants are hardly visible.

What I hope, though, for the sake of the students, is that this issue can be ironed out as soon as possible and that Mama P will put some restraints on her all-too-chatty minister. Some tutoring in diplomacy and good governance, at the very least, is necessary.

Andrene Forbes

Ensom Acres

St. Catherine

Thwaites needs tutoring

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Dear Editor,

Just when I thought that the impasse between the teachers and the minister had sank to an all-time low with the analogy drawn by former president of the JTA, Dorian Dixon, here comes Immediate Past President Paul Adams to sink the discourse to what I deem standpipe tracing. The only thing missing was a bathpan filled with clothes.

At one to the islandwide consultations, Adams made some excellent points on behalf of the teachers when he spoke to issues such as teacher to student ratio and drew the parallel with our Caribbean counterparts. He also spoke to the politics involved in teacher transfers, etc. Mr Adams had me on his side until he resorted to the tenement-yard behaviour, because for him to have said the minister must have been "temporariliy injected with cocaine" is tantamount to saying that the minister of education, his superior, is a coke head.

How could he have taken the discouse to this level? What kind of an example is he setting for those teacher who sat in that meeting and indeed cheered him on with such rude comments. Does Mr Adams expect teachers and students to exhibit any respect when he could not restrain from spewing such venom. Let us recall that just a day before the former JTA president, Dorian Dixon, made an analogy which was very unfortunate, and I listened to him on radio trying to defend his utterance by claiming 'freedom of speech' and that he wants to focus on the substantative matters. I want to say to both gentlemen, yes there is freedom of speech, but one must be measured in exercising this freedom and especially when you are in leadership positions. Also you want to focus on the substantative issues, but you cannot turn a blind eye to your most unfortunate analogy.

Messrs Adams and Dixon need to publicly apologise to the minister and to the nation, because surely how do they expect our children looking on to behave. If this kind of utterance can come from them to their minister I would shudder at the thought of how they would address a student if there was disagreement. This kind of utterance has no place in the discourse if you want the populace to buy into your substantive arguments. It is tasteless, classless and vulgar.

Ralston Chamberlain

Ontario

That's standpipe tracing

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Dear Editor,

While some may commend minority groups like sexual and racial minorities for attempting to stand up for their rights, the current attempt of the homosexual lobby to force three of Jamaica's free-to-air broadcasters to air a particular advertisement is making me uncomfortable.

It is not that I have anything against these and other minorities wanting to secure their rights. What have me worried is the attempt to curtail the right of anybody, especially people like me who provide a public service, refusing service.

While I think, in the case of the gay community, the state has more important business to look after than enforcing laws that prevent them living the lives they want, I don't think the state has any right to tell public service providers like me, or anybody else, what I can and can't refuse.

This is not just a gay issue. I remember when I used to go to high school; there was a Rastafarian child who was refused admission - simply because he was a Rastafarian. I didn't have anything personal against Rastafarians and I must confess that I admired that child for being bold, but I did not like the idea that, in the end, my school was forced to admit him.

If I am an extreme atheist and I own a newspaper, for example, and I don't want any pro-Christian advertisement to be published in my paper, why should I be forced to do so? Why should I be seen as backward if I refuse?

Let's say that I am a rich white conservative landlord with a huge apartment complex and I don't want too many black or Rastafarian or gay tenants. Why should I be forced to admit them? Why should I be vilified as a bigot because I urged them to go elsewhere?

What if I am a gay owner of a gay television station and a church wants to run an advertisement condemning the gay lifestyle and I refuse? What if I am then forced by the court to run that ad?

As I public service provider myself, this court case is making me uncomfortable because the day may come when I may want to say no a potential client and I may be forced to say yes! Gays may be elated by the current case in the courts, but they must remember that the same knife that sticks sheep also sticks goat.

Michael A. Dingwall

Kingston

I still must be able to say no

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Dear Editor,

This is an open letter to the Board of Directors of the Management Institute for National Development (MIND)

Having recently participated in the Supervisory Management course at MIND from February 4 -- May 6, 2013, this forum has been chosen, after failing to receive a response to my hand-delivered letter to the registrar, dated May 2, 2013.

The matter concerns the evaluation of a group presentation on industrial relations on Tuesday, April 30, 2013. All three (3) assessors openly admitted to not having the requisite background in industrial relations. The facilitator of the course was not in attendance at the presentation.

This letter seeks clarification on how persons lacking the requisite knowledge base for a discipline can constitute an adjudicating panel? Where is the integrity in this process and how does it translate into 'training for public service excellence'?

Many students pursuing a course of study, like myself, do so at immense personal sacrifice. The minimum opportunity cost of my attending your institution ($58,500) is the purchase of of special shoes which was foregone in an effort to benefit from an education or even meeting other financial obligations.

A response to my enquiry, whether directly or indirectly, would be highly appreciated. Please note, that my quest to seek redress for a perceived wrong should not be construed as an attempt to tarnish the reputation of a flagship programme, but should be seen as one reaching out to the neutral voice of media.

Joan Francis

francisj16@yahoo.com

MIND games

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Dear Editor,

The Seventh-day Adventist church does not support the notion that condoms should be given to children. The issuing of condoms in school to protect our children against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections is both immoral and harmful. Not only will it open the floodgate to promiscuity but the social, physical, emotional and spiritual problems cause by premarital sex can create irreparable damage to our children.

It is a fact that children throughout the centuries have experimented with sex and this generation is no exception. However, the answer is not condom, it is conduct. The church still stands on the Biblical platform on sex between a man and a woman within a marital relationship. We need to preach, teach and model this message to our young people and provide the necessary love and support for them. We cannot create a Corinthian society and expect all our children to live like Puritans. Our children need guidance and adults must provide if we are going to fix the ills that plague our society.

Dr Milton Gregory

Executive Secretary and Health Ministries Director,

Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

Condoms not the answer

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Dear Editor,

In the land of predictable price increases, a rare price-break opportunity is to emerge this week and I, for one, am excited.

Jamaica expects the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) to follow through on pronouncements made by the Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Honourable Phillip Paulwell during his Sectoral Debate Presentation in Parliament last month that the regulator is to announce lower cross-network rates come the end of May.

Come that fast-approaching day Jamaicans will once again be given a much-needed and anticipated price break from what I always thought were fees set too high in the first place.

Importantly, the OUR must act in a 'once and for all' manner with its determination. No more tinkering. The new mobile termination rates must reflect where the cost of mobile calling is trending globally. As Minister Paulwell said in his presentation, "voice is dying". The OUR's new termination rate must reflect that reality in a way that can add certainty to the market.

This way, Jamaicans can become properly informed consumers about the premiums they will pay in addition to the new wholesale rates.

It seems the OUR's powers may be limited here because this is where a mobile provider could ignore the new, lower wholesale mobile termination rate and opt not to drop their rates in order to regain lost ground - for example from the Interim rate cut of July 2012 that moved from $9 to $5 per minute.

Let us say the new wholesale termination rate moves from the Interim $5 to $1 per minute; Jamaican consumers will need to watch how the mobile providers react in adjusting their rates close enough to the new price point by asking themselves this question, "If the new rate is $1 per minute...how much above that amount will Digicel or LIME want for itself when they charge me their new per minute retail rate?"

That answer will help determine true consumer preference and perception for value and could even go as far jolting another shift in the share of mobile subscribers more towards even distribution.

Whatever the endgame, Jamaican consumers must come out on top as the true champions of this new economic reality of mobile.

On another score, the OUR, if it plays its cards right, could be seen as consumers''Knight in Shining Armour', if only on the point of lowering the cost of one utility.

Christopher Hanson

Kingston

OUR, this is your time

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Dear Editor,

I am totally disappointed with the manner in which a few Jamaica Teachers' Association past presidents have been dealing with the issues. If they are in disagreement with the minister of education the best way to deal with it is through dialogue. The minister has stated that he is willing and available.

These persons are the educators who are responsible for educating our children, the future leaders of our country and the world at large, so how can they be so rude and disrespectful to the minister, who is the authority of the education system and a human being? This is why we cannot get rid of the maladaptive behaviour of our children, as the persons who are training them for the future are letting the system down.

Yes, they might be in disagreement, but there is always a better way out. This tracing match is outrageous and should not be tolerated. A teacher/principal cannot and should not be so rude and offensive. How do you expect to correct a student who is misbehaving when you, as the educator/senior, are not setting the example? Shame on you!

The Bible states (1 Peter 2: 17-18) that we are to respect those who are in authority. Respect is due in spite of our differences. Believe me, if I had a mongrel dog I would not want my dog to be taught by any person who is disrespectful to anyone. Because instead of the dog being trained to be a friend and a protector, the dog would be trained to be aggressive and unfriendly to his master.

I hope they will learn from the minister, he is a gentleman and a person with dignity. He has done well by not dignifying the crass persons with an equal answer. I hope they are ashamed of themselves and realise that they are an embarrassment to themselves and the profession that for years has been seen as noble.

Keep up the good work, Minister, and continue to show how persons in authority should conduct themselves.

Donna Forrester

Kingston 20

Shame on you, JTA

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Dear Editor,

The recent pronouncement by the minister of education that teachers will no longer be eligible for study leave with pay has understandably sparked considerable debate and unease among teachers. After all, this is a long-standing benefit which teachers have relished to facilitate their career advancement. Alternatively, the minister has proposed that more teachers opt for part-time study and the online learning modalities. However, in my opinion, the minister's proposal is short-sighted as it comes across as being disjointed.

This view relates to the fact that there are many constraints to be overcome if his alternative is to become viable. These include, but are not limited to, the high cost of online study, the commuting distances of teachers to access learning centres, the neglect of students who may be left on their own as teachers leave to attend classes and exams, and the insensitivity of some principals to the career advancement of teachers.

As such, I propose the following amendments to the minister's proposal: establishment of a financing mechanism to enable teachers to gain access to online learning; establishment of an ICT platform that would enable all schools to improve connectivity as part of a wider thrust to develop an ICT-enabled education system; and the development of guidelines for a more structured approach to part-time study. For example, obtaining time off to study part time should not be left to the discretion of the school administration, and teachers who are pursuing part-time study should be facilitated through the structuring of their timetable to help them meet their study obligations.

Finally, I would urge the Government to review the leave entitlement for the entire public sector. Persons in every area of the public sector are entitled to leave with or without pay, so why is it that only teachers' leave is being revised? What about the other public sector workers? The economic constraints being faced by the Government and the need to generate greater efficiencies in public sector operations are both understood. However, this burden should not be carried by teachers alone. This will give an indication that the Government is serious about public sector reform.

Marisa McPherson

Boscobel PO

St Mary

marisadawkins@yahoo.com

Review leave entitlement for all public sector workers

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Dear Editor,

In these tempestuous times in the teaching profession, the race is now on to protect the teachers from losing their multiple privileges. In decades gone by the traditional teacher had to deal with going to college to get the certification and upgrade his/her status in order to stand a chance of remaining current with educational trends and issues.

During this time, the teachers were often given the shotgun treatment whenever the literacy and numeracy grades were below standard and GSAT results in some regions were less than desirable. In addition, under-resourced teachers had to compete in the race by strategising various approaches to improve the results, though many of the students have serious learning disabilities. Annually, in August, chastisement would always come from various consultants of the education ministry questioning the qualifications of the teachers of CXC and CAPE subjects when the results were undesirable, charging that teachers were not qualifying and adapting themselves to the technological and content changes. So, again, some of the teachers went racing to universities; whether it be full-time or part-time to compete in the race of approval from the ministry.

Since the last decade, teachers who ran the retirement race had to do the necessaries to get their full pension, for many of their colleagues before them had died in wait of receiving their just deserved lump-sum. Since then, many of them learned how to manage their stress and planned how they would survive without collapsing before a packed class of less-than-compliant children.

Right behind that was another race that is now delayed, ie for the teachers to be licensed based on their certification and qualification. That gave the now very exhausted teachers little time to catch a breather, since they were now shot into the martial area once again because they had to find alternative means of studying. In some corners people are saying that if a teacher cannot recover quickly from illnesses, then the "work horse" ought to be sent to the 'knackers' yard. Also, there is talk that the annual increment that was awarded to teachers to offset the increasing cost of living will be removed. This is a race without a track judge and officials, but only the starter who cannot be at the finish line at the same time.

Is there a real finish line in sight? Are there forces that want to have teachers collapse like the horse called Royal Dad in the late 1970s? If proper dialogue is not engaged, then Jamaica will once again be facing a situation like that of the 1980s where many of our qualified teachers may travel to a less hostile environment and pre-trained teachers will once again inundate the classrooms. Jamaica does not need an exodus; it will not run well with our students. However, if there are no positive and civil changes, then teachers will have to find profitable alternatives to win the race of survival.

Lyssette Hawthorne-Wilson

lysdave@yahoo.com

Teachers forced to run a marathon

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Dear Editor,

On Sunday May 26, 2013, your newspaper published an article entitled, "Dr Guy missed the mark." The story spoke to purported inadequacies in my contribution to the Sectoral Debate on Tuesday, May 21, 2013.

According to the article, my contribution hinged on the provision of some 9,000 houses for low-income earners over a five-year period. 1,800 of these houses are to be completed within the current fiscal year.

While the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing, in no uncertain terms, facilitates and endorses the provision of shelter solutions for low-income earners, the article neglected the well-articulated thrust of the ministry to pursue the delivery of housing for all Jamaicans.

In fact, in the said presentation, reference was made to housing solutions to be provided this year by a cross section of housing related entities. Let me therefore re-iterate the solutions to be delivered during the fiscal year 2013/14:

o 384 to be directly facilitated by the Housing Ministry

o 307 housing solutions to be developed by the NHT in three schemes

o A further 608 solutions are to be financed through the Trust in at least 5 private developments

o 1,085 to be completed by the Housing Agency of Jamaica (HAJ)

o 1,800 of the 9,000 houses (over a 5 year period) to be delivered this year as a result of a partnership with the Ministry, Food for the Poor, JEEP and the NHT.

o Another 1,156 could come on board as a result of public/private partnership agreements once negotiations are completed this year.

Let me highlight that the 1,800 of which the commentary spoke are only for low-income earners and the indigent. All the other solutions I outlined are for lower-middle to middle-income earners. This therefore nullifies your position that provisions are only being made for low income earners.

Furthermore, as it relates to private sector involvement in the housing sector, several projects highlighted in my presentation stem from public/private partnership agreements. We continue to facilitate and encourage the involvement of private developers as well, as Government cannot do it alone.

On the matter of the Draft National Housing Policy and Implementation Plan, while yet to be sanctioned by Parliament, is currently at stage 5 of 7 — stage 5 being public consultation. Though still in draft form, the ministry is moving ahead to implement some of the policy proposals embodied in the document. Acknowledging that there is a significant housing gap to be filled, I should however point out that with a possible 5,340 solutions to be delivered for this financial year, this figure is substantially higher than the average figure that I spoke of last year that were delivered between 2006 and 2011.

With the ministry still committed to making the policy a reality, it is anticipated that the final document will be presented to Parliament for approval and implementation within the 2014/15 financial year.

The other issue raised in the article was that I did not speak to the land transportation sector. Notwithstanding my involvement in that area of remit for the ministry, the Minister of Transport, Works and Housing, Dr Omar Davies, is equally proficient and capable of speaking on the said matter.

In his May 7 presentation to the Sectoral Debate, Minister Davies spoke to efforts on the part of the ministry to reform the sector. He ably outlined the collective vision of the ministry to address related issues.

Let me fervently state my resolve, and that of this Administration, to vigorously pursue the mandates set out in Vision 2030, especially as it relates to sustainable urban and rural development, which incorporates the provision of housing for all. In that regard, I can say that while not yet there, we are certainly nearing on the mark.

Hon Dr Morais Guy, MP

Minister without Portfolio (Housing)

Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing

We are nearing on the mark

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Dear Editor,

Today is World No Tobacco Day, and I write this letter with the hope that my concerns will be taken seriously and that the authorities will find time to do something special this year.

For months now, I have watched with interest the debate over tobacco control in anticipation of new legislation promised by the Government to ban and severely restrict tobacco advertising, promotion, distribution and marketing of all cigarette products. My research suggests that, under Article 13 of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), the legislation when enacted would also provide safeguards to the public's health and protect our surroundings from secondary smoke.

Although this remains an issue of concern, it is not the focus of this letter today. The primary focus of this letter is the FCTC legislation which, in spite of the many promises from various administrations, has not yet been debated in the Parliament. Other legislations have been debated and passed, but were never in the prolonged gestation as the anti-tobacco legislation.

The Government of Jamaica, being one of the earliest signatories to the FCTC, should have already passed legislation to ban smoking in public spaces, prohibit the marketing of all cigarette products, and discourage the growing of tobacco. The stark reality is that the start of the necessary work remains out of sight.

Lest I am misunderstood, this letter is not calling for the legislation to punish anyone. In fact, the social corporate strategy of Carreras Limited, the largest tobacco marketing company here, deserves credit for the many things it has done to change people's lives. In 2006, for example, the company changed its focus to education and training of young Jamaicans. It has been offering scholarships to enable students to pursue courses at universities as well as community and teachers' colleges across Jamaica. Carreras alone provides more than $11billion per year in tax revenue to the Government.

Surely, any draconian-style legislation could impact the company's ability to market its products and this could ultimately extend to the country's tax revenue. So, while it would be good to pass the legislation to show that we are in compliance with the convention, the same legislation would cause the Government to lose tax revenue because it would have an impact on sales.

This, however, should not stall Government's approach to the new legislation to safeguard the citizens who are themselves taxpayers.

Stacey Ann Campbell

Campbellshan98@hotmail.com

Tobacco legislation in breech birth

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Dear Editor,

In today's tough economic times a company's best bet for survival is to generate as much revenue as possible, decrease its workforce as a cost-saving measure, improve its systems to increase productivity, and control or manage its expenses. While this argument is extremely plausible and has merit, not many companies think it prudent to invest heavily in its human capital development when there are much more pressing issues at hand. I must congratulate Sandals Resorts International for its strategic focus in this regard.

This company has been around for some 30-plus years and has consistently stuck to its core beliefs; creating memorable vacations through outstanding team members. This "stick-to-it-tive" approach to core beliefs, especially in regards to human capital building, is one major factor in the continued success of this company.

Training and development usually focus on preparing people for specific tasks, but educating employees equips them for both immediate performance expectations and future growth and development outside of their job. With this understanding, Sandals created its own Sandals Corporate University (SCU), which really incorporates training and education, a combination which can and will only lead to holistic team member development and improved performance levels and outcomes for the company. And, by extension, with more educated people in the workforce, it also impacts personal lives and social behaviour.

Why is it that this company can invest so heavily in its people while other companies seem to sweep the importance of development under the carpet? Simply, Sandals seems committed to building a country, not just a company. Looking beyond the benefits to the company, this company, through SCU, is offering thousands a chance to attain education which would more than likely be out of their reach. I can truly speak on behalf of all those who work for this company, and many people in the Caribbean, and say "Thanks Sandals for believing in Brand Jamaica and the Caribbean and its gifted people. Continue being a trend-setting company in your industry and the countries in which you operate. Being voted the number 1 All-Inclusive in the world for 19 consecutive years is not by chance; it's through hard work, insight, vision and shared understanding of taking care of your people, who in turn take care of your business."

Why is it that this company can invest so heavily in its people while other companies seem to sweep the importance of development under the carpet? Simply, Sandals seems committed to building a country, not just a company. Looking beyond the benefits to the company, this company, through SCU, is offering thousands a chance to attain education which would more than likely be out of their reach. I can truly speak on behalf of all those who work for this company, and many people in the Caribbean, and say "Thanks Sandals for believing in Brand Jamaica and the Caribbean and its gifted people. Continue being a trend-setting company in your industry and the countries in which you operate. Being voted the number 1 All-Inclusive in the world for 19 consecutive years is not by chance; it's through hard work, insight, vision and shared understanding of taking care of your people, who in turn take care of your business."

With a CEO who is just 32, and a chairman who is 71, the generation balance is phenomenal, wisdom mixed with zest and millennium savviness will not only impact the success of your company but will continue to benefit the Caribbean. Sandals is truly a Jamaican company, which operates in the Caribbean at an international level. It would be safe to say, Sandals is one of the Caribbean's saviours when one looks at its employment numbers, its social programmes and now its educational efforts.

Javid Brown

Llandilo, Savanna-la-Mar.

Westmoreland

Sandals way ahead of the pack saving the Caribbean

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Dear Editor,

Today, May 31, is being celebrated as World No Tobacco Day under the theme: Ban Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death globally, being responsible for killing one in 10 adults worldwide, including non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke.

Jamaica, despite having ratified the WHO Framework Convention for Tobacco Control in July 2005, has yet to fully satisfy its obligations under the treaty. We have failed to enact legislation to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship, as well as smoking in public spaces, so as to protect our citizens from the many harmful effects of tobacco use.

The enactment of the legislation is critical, as it should result in the reduction in the demand for and use of tobacco products. This would be especially effective if there is a provision for tobacco products to be sold only as packaged, that is, by the pack or carton, as it would make the product unaffordable for many.

Importantly, too, selling tobacco other than packaged does not afford buyers the actual notice of the inherent, even if known, dangers associated with the use of the product.

Additionally, the new law would prevent the illicit supply of tobacco products, ensuring significant penalties for those providing or selling cheaper bootleg products. In the end, the health and economic well-being of our nation would improve on account of greater protection from tobacco smoke.

Speaking at the National World Diabetes Day breakfast meeting in Kingston in November last year, Minister Ferguson was reported to have said: "I am committed, as minister, to bring by the first quarter of financial year 2013-14 a [comprehensive] Tobacco Control Act that will deal with a smoke-free workplace and public space. This is something we have to look at."

Well, the minister has but another month to prove that he was not talking hogwash or taking us for a ride as was done by his predecessor, who made several unfulfilled promises for the presentation of the Bill to Parliament for consideration and enactment.

Kevin KO Sangster

sangstek@msn.com

One month left, Minister Ferguson

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Dear Editor,

I have sat and observed the various movements within the country. And it is with a heavy heart that I realise that many persons have been playing the hypocritical role as they allow our beloved nation to crumble and go down by their very actions.

I share a burden that most of the workers within the workforce of the country are not professional — at least they do not behave in that way.

Teachers are supposed to be trend setters and assist in moulding young minds; but many teachers today have failed in this regard. The recents comments made by the education minister were well thought out and presented as a solution that will meet the needs of the country. But some teachers have seen the suggestions as unfair, including past presidents of the teachers' union.

However, when one can say that another human is like a "mongrel dog" or is like a man on cocaine it says a lot about the person who is talking. These comments, in my view. show us that this individual is at best unfit and unequipped to serve anyone. It further shows that these persons are not able to reason and think about life challenges in a logical way.

Being a professional individual is much more than what is done in the classroom, it also includes what is done in your personal life. I therefore call upon Messrs Adams and Dixon to submit a formal apology to Minister Thwaites for the comments which were made. Instead of belittling the education minister, why don't you sit with him to help solve the problem. With the fear of using a cliche: Be a part of the solution, rather than being a part of the problem.

Nicordo Wilson

nicordo@stu.ncu.edu.jm

Poor JTA display

No-case submission was made on Nigerian dentist's behalf

Youth homelessness is no joke

Unbalanced mining scales

The Boston bombing... and the death of privacy

Who loves the middle class young professionals?

Thwaites needs tutoring

That's standpipe tracing

I still must be able to say no

MIND games

Condoms not the answer

OUR, this is your time

Shame on you, JTA

Review leave entitlement for all public sector workers

Teachers forced to run a marathon

We are nearing on the mark

Tobacco legislation in breech birth

Sandals way ahead of the pack saving the Caribbean

One month left, Minister Ferguson

Do we truly understand what it means to be a professional?