Jamaica Observer

Dear Editor,

One of the main commentators of the documentary broadcasted on A&E, the Biography Channel, titled “Gangster: America’s Most Evil“ was the Security Minister Peter Bunting. He made, in my opinion, many potentially libelous comments about the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and associates of Christopher “Dudus” Coke and the extradition debacle.

It appears that Minister Bunting’s comments run counter to what Jamaica has been projecting to the world — that we are easy-going, peaceful and loving people and you can come to our shores any time for fun and sun.

He has declared that Jamaica is one of the poorest and most corrupt countries in the world, and Christopher “Dudus” Coke helped to bankroll the JLP. He even went as far as to say that several policemen died in Tivoli Gardens and, as far as I can remember, there was only one soldier that died in Tivoli.

There are many questions that the citizens of Jamaica need to ask Minister Bunting, such as, are you trying to gain political mileage? Did you vet your facts before you disseminated them? Was this interview sanctioned by the People’s National Party or did you speak on the grounds of being a private citizen? Why didn’t you pray for divine intervention to keep you from spewing negative news on an international podium, in helping to derail the positive spotlight and inroads the Jamaica Tourist Board and Jamaica Promotion Corporation (JAMPRO) has gained over recent years?

Minister Bunting, the Jamaican populace is awaiting your prompt response to the questions posed.

Patrick Callum

patrickcallum@yahoo.com

Dear Editor,

The most recent toll increase brings into sharp focus the issue of the concession entered into by the Government and China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) to build a toll road from Kingston to Ocho Rios. The agreement which the Government, through National Road Operating and Construction Company (NROCC), signed with the Chinese would have taken into consideration a price range for the setting of toll charges on the roadway.

I am calling on the NROCC or the Ministry of Transport and Works to tell the country what agreements have been reached on the level of the toll to be charged by the Chinese. And what is the agreement governing increases in that toll?

It amazes me how tolerant Jamaicans are of the lack of transparency from the Government on matters like these that affect our daily lives. We are also a very reactionary peopel and prefer to wait until the horse has galloped through the gate then we mount demonstrations. Over to you, Dr Omar Davies.

Donald Brown

Kingston

dondbrown68@yahoo.com

Dear Editor,

The issue of street lighting is very important to our communities in more ways than one, and the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) is critical in this area. I am using this medium to make a public appeal to the JPS to address the flickering movements and extremely dim lights emitting from poles 083166 and 083283, both located on McArthur Avenue, Kingston 10.

In the past, the residents have used other channels to bring this issue to the JPS's attention, to no avail. I am hoping this appeal will not fall on deaf ears and the light and power company will address the issue most speedily.

Wayne Campbell

waykam@yahoo.com

Let there be 'good' light, JPS

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Dear Editor,

Your editorial of Sunday, 11th July 2013 entitled, "EU: new broom sweeps clean, but old broom knows the corner" asserts that there has been an absence of serious diplomacy in Great Britain and the EU. It also makes a number of misleading statements about the activities of our missions in London, Brussels, Berlin, and Geneva and the nature of our relations with the European Union.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade understands the strategic importance of our relations with the EU. The ministry continues to make a concerted effort to strengthen these relations, not only in European capital, but also in multilateral fora and in Kingston. The fact that other poles of influence have emerged and engage our attention does not mean that there is a declining relationship with the EU and its member states.

Your editorial referred to recent changes in the EU sugar arrangements and sought to link this to the effectiveness of Jamaica's diplomacy. The 2006 reform of the EU Sugar regime and the unilateral renunciation by the EU of the Sugar Protocol in 2007 were tied to the WTO ruling in the case against the EU export subsidies for sugar and the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Lobbying by Jamaica and other ACP sugar-producing countries led to the provision of financial support. More recent reforms under the CAP will see, in 2017, the end of sugar production quotas enjoyed by European beet sugar producers. ACP sugar producers, including Jamaica, as indirect beneficiaries of the production quotas, joined EU sugar producers in lobbying for the continuation of the sugar quotas to 2020. These internal EU policy changes stand to affect adversely all ACP sugar-producing countries and not just Jamaica. It is clearly unfair, therefore, to attribute this development to a failure of Jamaica's diplomacy.

The future of EU aid to Jamaica and ACP countries must also be placed in context. Economic constraints have resulted in a decrease in the EU's aid budget. There has also been a shift in the EU's development co-operation policy to focus on countries considered most in need, as outlined in their Agenda for Change. As a result, middle-income countries are expected to receive reduced allocations beginning with the next European Development Fund in 2014. There have been similar developments with other bilateral donors and multilateral aid agencies. Jamaica continues to advocate that special consideration be given to middle income developing countries and small-island developing states.

The foreign ministry and all our diplomatic missions are charged with the promotion of trade, investment and tourism. We work in close collaboration with JAMPRO, JTB and the private sector to take advantage of the market access opportunities which have been negotiated and to penetrate not only the European but also the global market.

Your assertions on our diplomatic presence in London also miss the mark. Focus on engagement with the Jamaican Diaspora in London and around the world will remain a priority of our foreign policy. However, other foreign policy objectives remain central to the work of the high commission, including the promotion of trade, investment and tourism. Representation is provided to the Commonwealth, International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and international commodity organisations in London, while the Mission covers six other countries in the form of concurrent accreditation.

Since 2009, Jamaica and other Caricom high commissions have made concerted efforts to lobby the UK Government on the Airline Passenger Duty (APD). At the initiative of the Jamaican High Commissioner, a new high-level committee was established at the beginning of this year to work in conjunction with the Caribbean Coordinating Committee to seek the re-banding of the Caribbean region.

Finally, on your prescriptions on the level of Jamaica's representation in Europe, three of the four Jamaican representatives in Europe occupy the highest posts which exist in the Jamaican foreign service. All four posts in Europe are filled by senior and experienced representatives who carry out their duties with

great dedication and commitment and who have been effective in advancing Jamaica's interests in their areas of responsibility.

Paul Robotham

Permanent Secretary

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade

We are working, working, working -- MFAFT

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Dear Editor,

The move by the Ministry of Health to ban smoking in public spaces will be of immense benefit to Jamaicans. Many people are still of the view that smoking only affects smokers' lungs, contributing to lung cancer. But smoking contributes to many different diseases. This is attributable to the fact that there are over 7,000 dangerous chemicals in cigarette smoke which contain some 70 known carcinogens and triggers diseases such as Psoriasis, an itchy oozing skin disease; Cataract, a disease which clouds the eye's retina contributing to blindness; and Deformed Sperm, through damage of the DNA in men leading to miscarriage or birth defects, as well as increasing the risk of fathering a child susceptible to cancer, according to some studies.Smoking is a known factor in reducing blood flow to the penis causing impotence, as well as a range of respiratory illnesses such as emphysema, bronchitis and asthma. Smoking also contributes to heart disease, cervical cancer, stomach ulcers, osteoporosis and tooth decay, among others.

The move by the Ministry of Health to ban smoking in public spaces will be of immense benefit to Jamaicans. Many people are still of the view that smoking only affects smokers' lungs, contributing to lung cancer. But smoking contributes to many different diseases. This is attributable to the fact that there are over 7,000 dangerous chemicals in cigarette smoke which contain some 70 known carcinogens and triggers diseases such as Psoriasis, an itchy oozing skin disease; Cataract, a disease which clouds the eye's retina contributing to blindness; and Deformed Sperm, through damage of the DNA in men leading to miscarriage or birth defects, as well as increasing the risk of fathering a child susceptible to cancer, according to some studies.Smoking is a known factor in reducing blood flow to the penis causing impotence, as well as a range of respiratory illnesses such as emphysema, bronchitis and asthma. Smoking also contributes to heart disease, cervical cancer, stomach ulcers, osteoporosis and tooth decay, among others.

It is scary when one examines the ingredients of a cigarette to see what they are used for. Ingredients such as butane, the main ingredient in lighter fluid; stearic acid, used in candle wax; carbon monoxide, the main gas in motor vehicle exhaust; nicotine, a poison used in insecticides; ammonia, main ingredient in toilet cleaner; and arsenic, a powerful poison. These substances were never meant to be ingest by the human body. If people want to damage their own bodies that is their choice, but such a product must be highly regulated to protect those who do not choose to be poisoned, especially the vulnerable such as children and the elderly.

The cigarette companies need to change their product. Jamaica cannot afford to compromise the health of our citizens. I commend the boldness of the health ministry and the vision and courage of the health minister. Let us resolve to build a healthier Jamaica.

Dee Arr

Kingston

Smoking ban, a step in the right direction

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Dear Editor,

'I man born ya, I nah leave ya, Sweet Jamaica'.

Yes, I have been a resident of the United States since 1976, but I am and will always be a Jamaican. One of the reasons that I have never pursued citizenship is because over and over again it is proven that, in the United States, there is no justice for blacks.

Don't get me wrong, even over here [US] being Jamaican gives you a better chance at some things, because when they are being "racial" they love to say, "oh, not you, you are Jamaican," like they don't see that I am black. Well, I am black, so the injustice that affects black people affects me. I may reside here, but my heart, body and soul will always be in sweet Jamdown. And, I thank God every day that I am Jamaican. Not to say prejudice doesn't exist, as we have black people bleaching to turn brown, "brown skin" black people sticking up their noses at darker skin persons, etc. What I do know, though, is that certain things would just not happen in Jamaica.

Imagine your 17-year-old boy goes to the corner shop to buy candy and a drink. He, like most children today, is on his cellphone with his earpiece in, chatting to a girlfriend. Rain is falling so he puts his "hoody" over his head and is going home... no, he is not running, he is strolling,

and is walking through a neighbourhood to get back to his dad's house. What happens next is appalling. Someone sees this child and assumes he looks suspicious and should not be in the neighbourhood. They confront him; a tussle occurs and he is shot. You go to court and the verdict is not guilty for killing your child. Really!? Not on Jamaica's watch.

Having a child is a blessing. And I say this with a heavy heart as I wasn't able to bear any. However, I have nieces, nephews, friends with children, and this hurts me to the core as I feel for Trayvon's parents. May God be with them, and may God continue to bless this sweet land, Jamaica.

RIP TM, and walk good, GZ.

Iam AJamaican

jamaicamirhatid@hotmail.com

Justice across the waters

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Dear Editor,

There is a tendency in the Jamaican society for us to "look down" and discriminate against some of our schools due mainly to geographical location and the perception that some schools are inherently better than others.

This perception is flawed and the top female student of the 2013 Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) has proved this. Latanya Clayton from St Jude's Primary School, located in the inner-city community of Waltham Park Gardens, Kingston 11, is this year's top female GSAT performer in the entire island from any school type. Latanya received an average of 99.6 per cent, after scoring 99 per cent in mathematics, 100 in science, 99 in social studies, 100 in language arts and 12/12 in communication task. Fifty years ago a vision led by Reverend Father Charles J Eberle resulted in the birth of St Jude's Primary School, located at 1 Norwich Avenue, Kingston 11. Since then St Jude's Primary has become a shining example of excellence, as well as a much sought after educational institution serving the needs of children in the Waltham Park area and neighbouring communities.

As a proud past student of St Jude's Primary, I wish to highlight what is indeed a very joyous moment in the history of this great institution.

St Jude's Primary has weathered many challenges and now stands proudly as an oasis providing quality education to children of the community. Despite a decrease in the school population over the years, St Jude's Primary has continued to be a blessing to all those who have attended this noble institution, and this year the school celebrates its golden anniversary.

Since its inception the school has not only distinguished itself in the academics resulting in above average scores in all national exams, namely, the Grade Four Literacy (GFLT) as well as the National Numeracy Test. But the school also continues to do exceptionally well in various extra-curricular activities, including its participation in the annual Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) competition.

The St Jude's Primary dance troupe has won numerous medals and is widely respected in the field of dramatic arts. In recent times, St Jude's students have branched out in new fields of endeavour, such as the game of chess where they have won individual as well as group medals.

I was honoured to have been at the Liturgy of Thanksgiving Service for the 50th anniversary of St Jude's Primary, held on Sunday, April 21, 2013, at the St Jude's Catholic Church. Among the specially invited guests were Minister of Education Ronald Thwaites and President of the Jamaica Teachers Association Clayton Hall.

We must pay tribute to all the stakeholders who over the years have helped to make our school what it is today. Since its inception in April of 1963 the school has benefited greatly from strong and effective leadership from the various individuals who have served as principals. We pause to say thanks to you all! Additionally, St Jude's has had dedicated teachers who have worked tirelessly and passionately with the students.

Let us not be ungrateful. Instead, let us give all the support we can to our school in this its 50th year. There are past students of this institution excelling in various fields of endeavour and I call upon all past students to remember and give back in any way they possibly can to the school which has been the foundation of their success. Let us as past students redouble our efforts in ensuring that a past students' association is formed no later than this year. Indeed, it would be a most fitting gesture on our part to show our commitment in assisting our alma mater in this Golden Anniversary of St Jude's Primary, our beloved school. Continue striving for excellence St Jude's, may you have more top achievers.

Wayne Campbell

waykam@yahoo.com

Celebrating 50 years at St Jude's Primary

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Dear Editor,

I have a right to mash down West Indies with harsh criticisms or constructive ones.

There are more thorns than roses in the latest West Indies batting display against Pakistan. And it seems like they prefer having the thorns rather than the roses, from the way they are playing and representing the region. Am I speaking in parables? I hope not. Try and understand what I am trying to say.

Since the new WI team has taken shape -- from the once mighty and destructive team that it used to be, most of the players are performing below the standard of confident, professional players. They seem like a drowning man, catching at a straw to save his life. They are spoiling the broth with flaws and loopholes of uncertainty and unreliable executions.

No matter if or when they win — even two or three matches in a row, they are still a big let-down to their fans and supporters, and still are regarded as a careless set of jokers who are loafing and jestering around. They are just coasting on a roller-coaster -- frighteningly surrendering to the challenges of the opposition.

Though they often times find themselves in a winning position, they crumble to defeat after defeat repeatedly and carelessly.

We see them today as good as the Good Samaritan, as brave as a lion; but tomorrow, they look and behave like wandering sheep who have lost their way — or a panicking child, searching for direction. Do I sound too harsh? Not easy to have a stand filled with supporters — in the Caribbean, and these mature players are playing schoolboy cricket-- hurting the fans so badly.

Too many empty promises and crocodile apologies. Marginal triumphs are not enough. The relapse cycle is always getting the better of them.

I still do not believe that the current WI players are 110-per cent committed and reliable like Shiv Chanderpaul. The burning passion to win matches should be like a man who is directly aiming at something to achieve. We are fed up with their half-hearted, mediocre efforts. God knows why they left out Shivnarine Chanderpaul from the one-day squad.

Donald J McCoy

donaldmckoy2010@yahoo.com

Dear Editor,

The new law, which prescribes where smoking is and is not permitted, came into effect on Monday, July 15, 2013. While well intentioned, it leaves a lot to be desired. Various interest groups in the society have been clamouring for different laws, as they affect their own spheres, to be modified, or new ones enacted to no avail. Our comatose lawmakers, however, have now awakened with a vengeance and out of the blue this new smoking law does a Usain Bolt, making it across the finish line before the rest and in near record time. How long have the Rastafarians, for example, been calling for marijuana to be decriminalised?

As I heard it being explained on radio one evening, I gather that smoking is not permitted on a public beach. Does this mean that should a tourist be out on the shoreline alone with God at 5:00 am smoking a cigarette and the act is caught on surveillance cameras, legal action will be taken against him? Interesting.

The last time I checked, smoking marijuana was illegal in Jamaica, yet every single day thousands of pounds are smoked across the island. I recall stopping at a bar one day to buy a cold beer and as I waited to be served observed six young girls, none older than 20 years, lounging around the establishment and playing bingo. Five had spliffs between their lips and as I watched, the sixth was handed hers by the bartender who had one behind the ears. It appears number six was not yet versed in how to roll one. Had I done my civic duty and called the police who were stationed some three miles away to deal with these lawbreakers, would they have turned up? Do the police have the manpower or facilities to cope with the hundreds of smokers who might happen to be in breach of the law at a football match or stage show?

It would be interesting to know what really informed the thinking of the creators of this new law. To be honest, based on our track record and recent events, it would not surprise me to learn that the collection of revenue was the main impetus behind its creation. This reminds me of the increase in traffic ticket fines, which was ostensibly for increasing road safety, but in reality swelled government coffers. Can you imagine how many bribes will now be paid by smokers and owners of establishments alike to avoid penalties when found in breach? I personally overheard a bartender telling a customer that on the instructions of her boss she will no longer be selling cigarettes after her current stock is exhausted. Could this new law be the final straw that breaks the back of the cigarette cash cow?

Robert Mitchell

Box 191

Christiana PO

Manchester

mitcib@yahoo.com

That new no-smoking law

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Dear Editor,

While many fans have been basking in the success of our nation's track & field performances at the world level, it has been mainly our short sprinters who have been in the spotlight. In addition, a few athletes in technical events such as the hurdles have shone brightly on some occasions.

Our male quarter-milers have not been sharing the same success as their performance levels have fallen. In earlier days, one can remember that among the men, it was the quarter-milers and 4 x 400m relay quartets who brought home the medals from the major meets. Those in the shorter sprints struggled against the 'big guns' from other nations.

The best outcome usually was one representative making the final on each occasion. For example, Raymond Stewart at each of the world championships and Olympics he competed in and Michael Green at the Atlanta Olympics. So what has happened? The answer is we are lacking in talents. It appears that back in those days we had the talent over the one-lap distance while we lacked in the shorter sprints. Obviously, the reverse is true now.

We must remember the likes of Gregory Haughton, Michael McDonald, Davian Clarke, Danny McFarlane and Roxbert Martin competing in the same era. Before them we had Bert Cameron and immortals such as Herb McKinley, Arthur Wint and George Rhoden. They were all tremendous talents.

But it seems there is hope for the future, evidenced by the likes of outstanding schoolboys, Javon Francis, Devaughn Baker and just recently, Martin Manley, who have all been performing way ahead of their local peers. Francis, the oldest of the trio, has been very convincing especially after his outstanding performance among the senior men at the national championships.

Once they are in the right hands, all is set to go well in the future.

Loystan Clarke

clarke_mis@yahoo.com

Lacking talents

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Dear Editor,

Now that there is a law against smoking and the proposed new laws against the singing of "bad" music and the penalties for not paying these new inflated property taxes, I think that our leaders have forgotten one important plan - the need for more prison space.

Smokers will tell you that smoking is a habit that is very difficult to break. How many times have we seen smokers smoking their cigarettes or "weed" on the sidewalk or other "publicly accessible" places, especially during recreation times?

What about the many street dances where young men sing whatever comes to mind, which is usually some gangster crap? Don't even talk about the land owners who will be unable to pay property taxes that have skyrocketed.

I really think that the police will turn a blind eye to many of these offenders - especially those who smoke their ganja spliffs or sing their gangster songs, as there will just be too many of them. Either that or the police will have to exchange their police cars for trucks, as they will be picking up a lot of offenders!

I saw a case where the property tax obligations of one home owner moved from $17,000 per year to $120,000! How will property owners pay these new inflated taxes, especially the unemployed and the retired? More prisons will definitely be needed for these people!

I would want to suggest that for the expected increase in the number of prisoners that we may have soon, the government may look at the possibility of converting some of our unused state buildings, like the old Forum hotel and the former Jamintel building into new prisons.

Also, we need to strengthen our court system, as they will soon be overwhelmed with these cases. If we think our courts have a serious case-backlog crisis, we haven't seen anything yet!

If the government is serious about these new laws and it doesn't have an expanded prison plan or court system for us, they will need them soon. These laws are going to create more prisoners!

Michael A. Dingwall.

michael_a_dingwall@hotmail.com

New laws, more prisons needed

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Dear Editor,

In your edition on Sunday, July 4, 2013, you published an article under the heading "Outdated laws anger Future Services". The article referred to a news release issued by a company which styles itself a "legal funding company". You quoted the press release as making the following statements:

- Attorneys are not able to advertise their fees;

- Attorneys are not able to advertise other pertinent information regarding their experience and years in practice;

- Attorneys are unable to advertise their services;

- Attorneys are not allowed to advertise that they offer contingency fees arrangements; and

- Attorneys are not allowed to advertise that they provide complimentary consultations.

All these statements are untrue. The regulations which govern the conduct of attorneys do not prevent attorneys from advertising any of the services that they offer and many attorneys do so in various ways. There is therefore no issue about this.

What the regulations do forbid is the sharing of legal fees between an attorney and a person or entity who is not licensed to practice law, including a "legal funding company".

Also, it is illegal for a person or entity including a "legal funding company" who is not licensed to practice law, to offer legal services, falsely represent or give the impression that they are licensed to practice law or accept a client's funds.

The press release quotes selectively from the US Supreme Court decision in Bates v Arizona. Almost 40 years ago, the State Bar of Arizona forbade lawyers in that state from advertising their services. The US Supreme Court ruled that this was unconstitutional. The press release omitted to state that the Supreme Court also ruled that states were permitted to ban misleading advertising and to impose other reasonable restrictions on the time, place and manner of lawyer advertising.

The General Legal Council recognises that, in some respects, the regulations governing advertising by lawyers may be outdated and earlier this year started a process to consider amending them. Some restrictions are plainly necessary however, in the public interest.

B St Michael Hylton

Chairman

General Legal Council

Kingston

Here's what legal for lawyers -- GLC

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Dear Editor,

The prime minister recently made a cry to the nation. She asked Jamaicans to put our hands together so that we can improve the economy. She called on the private sector to employ at least one person, which would account for over 40,000 Jamaicans on the private sector payroll. These are commendable strategies and one can disagree with such a plea, as it entails improving the country and providing jobs.

If my memory serves me well, as well, the Government asked the public sector workers to agree to a salary freeze for a number of years. All this against the background that the times are very hard and it is difficult to make ends meet. Albeit with a struggle, in the end the public sector workers had agreed to this plea.

That said, the question that now lies ahead is, if the public sector employees agreed to the wage freeze, in the interest of the country, then why have the prime minister and her Cabinet not also agreed to a wage freeze in solidarity with the public sector workers?

From my recollection, on November of 2010, a salary increase was due to the then governing Jamaica Labour Party. Then prime minister, Bruce Golding, suspended the wage increase because he saw that Jamaica was in no position to afford it.

A 6% increase in salary by the present Government of Jamaica at this time, is an act of hypocrisy and cruelty. Leaders should lead by example and should not ask the people of Jamaica to sacrifice, if they themselves are not willing to do the same. If the Jamaican citizen is expected to make sacrifice, it means that our leaders should be willing to make sacrifice for the good of the nation. I hope that the Government will have a heart and freeze their own wages, as the Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller is using as an excuse that most of the ministers were living a comfortable life before they became ministers.

There is a Jamaican saying that says, "Children live what they learn." Therefore if the Jamaican government makes reasonable effort to fix the economy, then the people of Jamaica will be more willing to make more sacrifice for nation building.

With that being said, the Jamaican people is awaiting a response to the question posed by Senator Robert Montague. There was a promise to give an answer on whether the prime minister and her Cabinet had or will receive a 6% increase in salary and we are demand that answer.

Norman Smith

jermainesmith_1@yahoo.com

Did you really take a salary increase, PM?

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Dear Editor,

This beautiful island nation of ours is scarred. It makes no sense for us to continue spewing platitudes about a paradise that has been wronged through the course of its history.

We have long been subjected to speeches that allude to our hope and longing for a Jamaica that is either too far in the past, or yet to be. So here's the truth. We take pride in the resilience and strength of the Jamaican people, but shy away from looking directly into the eyes of the brutal hardship against which our resilience is built.

We have a rich history of breaking free from the shackles of slavery. However, we still carry with us the ghosts of bondage as we hang on to the chains that restrict our scope of vision. Jamaica has been short-changed by consecutive governments.

For too long the leadership has failed the nation. In spite of the many areas of success that we celebrate as a nation, our leaders have made grave errors. We have policies that threaten to exploit our natural resources. We have made agreements which, instead of expanding our reach as an independent nation, have created strangleholds of debt and dependence for generations to come. Even though we tout the importance of quality health and education for our people, we can barely provide this.

This is not a phenomenon that has come upon us overnight. This is after years of inadequate and generally poor stewardship. The next generation has been grossly failed by our choices - and in some cases, our apathy and our politics.

It is time for us to acknowledge and confront the politics of our past that has haunted us into fear, silence, and immobility. It is a shame, but it has to be said: our politics (and more specifically, political parties) have for too long enabled conditions for criminality and victimisation of our people. This is not simply a problem for any one party. This is a national crisis. Too many victims of injustice have been created in the name of politics.

As we chart our way beyond 50 years of independence, we recognise that governance no longer carries with it a sense of humility and servitude. It cannot be that our people continue to perceive their leaders as corrupt, arrogant, and out-of-touch.

We know that Jamaica, in the face of all its flaws and glory, deserves good governance from those for whom standards of quality should never be lowered. So in this moment of truth, let us commit to unmasking the problems that plague us, and resolve to rid Jamaica of dishonesty, hypocrisy and injustice.

This, for Jamaica - land we love.

Durie Dee

mizd2u@yahoo.com

Short changed by seccessive governments

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Dear Editor,

I am a smoker. Any member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force who decides to arrest me for smoking in a public place could be charged with making a false arrest and for being a public nuisance.

Not only is the ban on smoking in public places not gazetted, the Minister of Health has no authority, I repeat, has no authority to take onto himself outside Parliament the right to impose a permanent non-tariff barrier on products imported from a sister CARICOM state without consultation with the Minister of Industry and Commerce and without tabling the matter in Parliament.

The Minister of Industry and Commerce has no right to take any action which significantly affects trade, distribution and commerce, while imposing institutional discrimination between business providing identical services on the basis of the location according to postal zones and political constituencies. No minister of government has any such right.

The Minister of Health has taken on to himself either the rights of Pharaoh or the rights of God. The police, who would decide to take steps to arrest me under such a ban, not only would have a lot of questions to answer on behalf of the minister in a court of law, but in my view, would be an individual in need of psychiatric care.

Basil Fletcher

Kingston

The rights of Pharaoh and God

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Dear Editor,

The price of democracy is responsibility. In a democracy, the citizens are responsible for the actions of their government. Some years ago, then United States Senator Barry Goldwater said, "Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty." Just how vigilant have we been, not only of our leaders, but also of ourselves? Are we at this sorry state in our affairs, because of bad leadership, blind followership, or both? Ignorance, stupidity, bad luck, or bad judgement? Even, perhaps, God's will?

Liberty is not a licence. We fancy ourselves free, but recall the IMF strictures. We vote (or not) for the party whose colour corresponds to our blood, our beer, or our politically conscious fowls. Then we vociferously assault our anointed ones for their incompetence/corruption/neglect. And next election, we vote for the same rapscallions. So who is at fault? If we repeatedly invite the mongoose into the fowl coop, are we not insane to expect a different result each time? Bear in mind that we have been told that 30% of us are in need of psychiatric intervention, so perhaps that answers the question.

One ancient well-known form of governance is the bread-and-circus routine. Free bread, free circuses, to divert and distract the masses, so Caesar can rule untroubled by rebellion. With our famous creativity, we have adapted this to circuses to distract us from the rising price of bread. We revel in circuses, so much so that we no longer have nine-day wonders; we have instead three-day circuses.

In the past couple of weeks, we have had the JTA/Thwaites tracing match (one-sided, true), the JLP/Tivoli Enquiry flip-flop, the Bunting/Dudus TV show, the $50,000 smoking fine, and now the athletes/doping uproar. And still playing to a faithful audience, the long-running homophobic main event, complete with clowns and intellectual trapeze displays.

But outside the noisy tents, a tragedy grinds on. The lives of young people are blighted, hopes and dreams crushed, ambitions and sacrifices wasted on the hard ground of 21-st century reality; simply put, little education, and a gloomy future for the majority. Why is this so? Does it have to continue?

I have too often asked myself, "Is it possible that there exists an implicit, unspoken agreement between our political practitioners to ensure the continuation of this travesty, to ensure themselves immunity from aware, informed, critically thinking citizens?" More disturbing is: "Are we complicit in this, so as to avoid responsibility, as people in a democracy, conveniently putting the blame on the shrugging shoulders of our stalwart leaders? And most frightening: "Could this be what we the people really want, deep in our inmost selves?"

Do we want the rule of law and its enforcement? Do we really want an incorruptible police force? Do we want equitable and efficient tax collection? Do we want truth from our leaders, rather than platitudes and promises, so much easier to utter and to hear? Who is responsible for us being in the predicament we are now in? Whence the mendicancy and mediocrity?

Let us not blame the IMF, the CIA, the JLP, the PNP, God or the Devil. We have been there, done that; we must now look in the mirror. I believe that is where the answers are. We the people are the last, best and only hope.

David Buckley

David Buckley297@gmail.com

Dear Editor,

Recent happenings have left us all upset and, perhaps, even downcast. But do not ever lose faith in our people. I do not believe that any of the athletes knowingly used a banned substance. While the lack of intent may not be sufficient to exonerate them, it is nonetheless a comforting affirmation of the fairness and integrity that is basic to every Jamaican.

Don't forget the foundation on which Jamaica's success in global athletics is built. It is not drugs. It is, rather, the fantastic athletic system that we Jamaicans have developed over the past 100 years. Nothing in that system invites or sanctions the use of banned substances. It is a system that produced Norman Manley, Arthur Wint, Herb McKenley, Dennis Johnson, Donald Quarrie, Merlene Ottey, Veronica Campbell Brown, Usain Bolt, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and so many others. That system, the hallmark of which is hard work - boys and girls train for nine months to be ready for Champs - superb coaching, prodigious natural talent and volunteerism has nothing to do with drugs. It does not need drugs. For it has its own private elixir that comes from the spirited drive and struggle for achievement and excellence; that drive and struggle are part of our heritage.

It is ironic that these unfortunate events should take place when Jamaica just had the best confirmation of the high quality of its athletic system. For Jamaica to have topped the medal table (in terms of quality of medals), with six gold and two bronze medals at the recently concluded IAAF World Youth Championships, is nothing short of incredible. We actually did better than the USA, a superpower, with a population over 100 times greater than Jamaica's and immensely wealthier. Of course, the last and most successful Champs (30 records broken) gave us a warning. No one would have the audacity to suggest that our youngsters use banned substances.

So let us continue to be proud of the athletics system that we have developed through ingenuity and diligence, acknowledge the features that make it the most successful enterprise in our country, and tell the world that drugs are irrelevant to it. Let us continue to support the system and the athletes it produces. Drugs cannot tear down the walls of that system. At the same time we, the Jamaican people, the government, and the private sector must collaborate to ensure that our athletes and their coaches have at hand the best scientific tools for their use and application to protect their good names and the reputation of the country.

Patrick Robinson

Kingston

Dear Editor,

In a time when our nation's teachers are asked to improve students' academic performance with frozen salaries, I would like to take a moment to view the challenges that are faced in the primary education system. Most primary schools receive "quarterly" grants, three times annually. In most cases, these grants are exhausted approximately five weeks before the end of an academic term.

Our administrators and teachers scramble to find creative and innovative ways of dealing with the shortfall before the next grant is issued. It is said that if principals write a request for a "top-up" when grants are depleted, this request may be honoured. Some of the ways members of staff have to create much-needed funds include: fairs, concerts, pageants, fun/days, rally of the grades, jeans day, movie day, culture day, among other things.

Of course, not all the listed activities can happen without the input of an active and proactive Parent-Teachers Association (PTA). Active groups such as these often have first-hand knowledge of the needs of their schools and as a result have taken a supportive stance.

They believe that their children must benefit from a sound education with a proper learning environment and realise that they must act instead of waiting on agencies to provide for everything.

However, there are persons who fail to see what purpose the listed fundraisers serve in the daily running of the school. Some of the funds raised are for the following: furniture repairs, beautification, payment of clerical and auxiliary staff, repairs/replacement of photocopy machines and ink, purchase of photocopy paper, books and stationery for needy students, first-aid kits, costumes for competitions, and unpaid utility bills.

For many, this information might come as a shock, but for the rest, this is the reality our teachers face on a daily basis. Without the innovative skills of those who care about the school's well-being, the school would fall into disrepair. Through the years our nation's teachers and supportive parents have made huge sacrifices.

It is time to reveal the truth about the real cost of education. Stop placing teachers in the middle of the firing range for the uninformed soldiers of public opinion who enjoy taking deadly aim at teachers as if they are sitting ducks for target practice when expected academic performance is not achieved.

One thing is certain: Despite the frozen salaries and grants, our dedicated educators and involved parents must remain afloat like icebergs, upright and strong, within the unpredictable sea called our education system.

Lyssette Hawthorne-Wilson

lysdave@yahoo.com

The truth and challenges within the primary education system

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Dear Editor,

The most compelling reality of today's Jamaica is the abysmal sinking of the Jamaican track and field dream and "Brand Jamaica".

Now is the time to stand up and be counted for being patriotic to the cause of our people. This we will do and generate a renewed drive to prolong our well-oiled engine of upward mobility of our athletes.

We must be resilient in adversity and strong and true to the cause of all well-thinking members of the human race who believe in fair play and honesty.

We have nothing to be ashamed of; we know the calibre of persons we have in sports, and we trust in their talents and abilities. We know the type of competitive instincts we possess and the hard work and dedication to create a vibrant image to the wider world. They don't have to cheat to have an impact on world athletics.

Our founding fathers have paved a glorious path for us to acquire a very firm structure in track and field. We have to protect our great ingenuity and show the world that we have brilliant athletes who are not dependent on drugs to perform well on the world stage.

Asafa Powell and Sherone Simpson are the latest high-profile athletes to 'falter' on a drug surveillance programme. I am confident in the integrity and hard-working culture of our society, especially our athletes, and the adverse analytical findings will soon be explained in our favour. I know they will be exonerated from blame and once again uplift the good name of Jamaica.

Paris Taylor

Greater Portmore

St Catherine

paristaylor82@hotmail.com

Be resilient amid adversity, athletes

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Dear Editor,

Again, we should note the even more alarming frequency in which witnesses with criminal matters before our courts are not showing up to testify. Yes, this trend is getting even worse. This tends to happen mostly in high-profile cases; an example we now see in the case involving Adidjah Palmer. This occurrence undermines our justice system and measures should be put in place to stem this runaway trend.

This is a form of corruption, where interested parties are 'facilitated' seemingly by a missing witness.

It is the general belief that most of these reluctant witnesses suddenly have an 'assisted' change of heart to not cooperate in these court proceedings. It must be looked at to investigate the belief that some members of the security forces, legal profession and persons in the judiciary aid and abet this practice of witnesses not showing up in court to testify.

Transparent as it seems, this is one way of subverting the justice system, and ensuring that a matter will not go to trial. No witness, no trial.

They know that after a prosecution witness fails to appear in court a number of times the presiding judge, in every instance, will eventually dismiss the charge(s) against the accused person. Very soon after charge(s) against an accused are dismissed, witnesses who could not be found suddenly reappear.

In short order justice would be for those who can afford to pay off a witness, hide a witness, or by whatever means get them to not show up in court.

Our lawmakers on both sides of the political divide should move forthwith to stop this practice and put in place the following:

1. Cases should not be dismissed because a witness cannot be found.

2. Whenever witnesses are found they must be charged with contempt of court.

3. The complainants should have no say in whether the court proceeding should go forth or not -- this should be left to the presiding judge.

4. The prosecution should have the avenue to appeal the judge's decision to dismiss a charge.

5. The medical cost for treating a victim must be borne by the accused person.

Until the powers that be take a hard line, we will continue to have corruption in our court system, our judiciary and the police force.

Authnel Reid

authnelreid@optonline.net

No witness, not trial -- by-product of corruption

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