Jamaica Observer

Dear Editor,

I earnestly believe that the first president of the People's National Party, National Hero, the RT Excellent Norman Washington Manley, should be remembered for his contribution of restructuring the consciousness of the Jamaican people in relation to our history and culture in modern Jamaica.

Moreover, this revolutionary and visionary political leader, who was born on the 4th July, 1893 at a property called Roxborough in Mandeville, Manchester, promoted predominantly the interest of the people, the politics, economics, social and cultural progress of Jamaica with much enthusiasm.

Subsequently, this brilliant advocate and pre-eminent lawyer entered Jamaica's political life in 1938, when there was an industrial riot in Frome, Westmoreland.

Without a doubt, this skilful negotiator and stalwart politician developed into a political genius whose numerous achievements in different areas have had a great impact on national development and the Jamaican people over the years.

The man with the plan, NW Manley had a mission to accomplish, and despite opposition, he struggled for self-government in a climate largely hostile to that idea. Shortly after he took up office in 1959, he wasted no time in seeking out franchise reform from the West India Royal Commission.

The skilful negotiator pleaded for Universal Adult Suffrage which is the right for Jamaicans to vote, and full Adult Suffrage was eventually granted from Britain, though reluctantly, in 1944.

Meanwhile, this true Jamaican patriot and egalitarian excelled in many other areas such as drafting the Independence Constitution, advocating for the Referendum of British Caribbean countries, introduction of Jamaica's welfare system. He also played a major role in the emerging Jamaican literary and artistic movement at the time.

Indeed, "Father Manley ", as he was affectionately called, was a political giant and statesman who contributed most significantly to national development in Jamaica.

Valentine Pearson

valenempearson@yahoo.com

'Father Manley'- a political giant

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Dear Editor,

It is rather sad that in the midst of all the hype and arguments over the new no-smoking laws, we who have to travel on the roads every day are constantly bombarded and attacked from vehicles, especially the yellow JUTC buses and other public transport buses, by the noxious and toxic black smoke and fumes blasting from the exhaust systems on those vehicles, making even visibility difficult, much less breathing. This continues and escalates with absolutely no action or even a mention from the authorities regarding the flouting of this particular "smoking" law.

As for the Noise Abatement Act, this is a pathetic joke. In the plazas — think Twin Gates, for one — on the roads, in residential areas, at all hours of day and night, the noise goes on and on and gets louder and louder from sound systems. I have read where people who called about it have been threatened by the perpetrators and warned to shut up and "suck it up". I personally have called the police only to hear "they have a permit, or they would not be having the session". In other words, where noise abuse is concerned, we can all also "suck it up". I dread the upcoming very expensive and glorious Independence celebrations and the inevitable increase in noise and indiscipline. Look around, what exactly are we celebrating? The homeless adults (think Olivia) and children on the streets? The huge potholes and blocked drains? The lewd dancehall mode of dress of our women, even in church? The disrespectful, aggressive and downright dangerous windshield wipers? (Loudly kissing my teeth.)

I have heard that some people are whispering that this is a failed State. We need to understand right now that we are living in a garbage dump of a country, reeking with stinking worms of complete lack of consideration, lawlessness and indiscipline. We have a generation and another coming up fast, who worship crime and obscenity, and whose heroes are not who they should be by any means.

Whether we like it or not should not matter: we need international intervention to save us from ourselves as a nation. But of course, neither of our two glorious political parties, green or orange, will be prepared to take the first step to seriously save this country, as they are always too busy fighting each other and "bigging up" themselves — so, on we go into the darkness from which there certainly will be no return.

Sadan Tayad

Kingston 10

Smoking and the state of the nation

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Dear Editor,

When I heard the news that a young man, named Dwayne Jones, had been chopped to death by an angry mob, I was forced to steady myself. I felt faint and was shocked by this horrific tragedy.

As a mother, I cannot begin to imagine how the parents, relatives and friends of this young man now feel. As a mother, my thoughts and prayers are with not just this young man's community, but with the nation. If these are the circumstances in which our young people are living, we are a sick nation whose violent youth is the symptom.

One group of youth does not feel safe enough to live freely and reveal who they truly are. Another feels entitled to torture and kill those who do not conform to their ideas of how their peers should act. As a mother, I do not know if my children are homosexuals, nor do I care. Like all Jamaican youth, they are beautiful, intelligent beings who deserve a life in which all opportunities are available to them, regardless of where they come from, who they love, who they socialise with, and what they choose to do with their lives.

As a society, let us find the perpetrators, engage them in a trial as a democratic society does, and hope that justice is served.

Ruth-Ann Thompson

truthann1@gmail.com

Let justice be served

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Dear Editor,

While leafing through the July 24, 2013 Observer, I came across an article entitled "I hope the IMF people are reading the Observer." While reading this article, you can imagine my outrage at the discovery of the planned frivolity of the spending by the minister of youth and culture, and by extension, the Government.

Why spend $100 million on Emancipation and Independence celebrations that the majority of people will be observing from their living room couches?

Today, in our country, children are spending six years in primary school and leaving illiterate or with reading/writing/reasoning skills well below average. This money could have been better spent developing after-school programmes or more innovative, interactive programmes to better integrate and develop the mindset of children for this rapidly advancing world. A child today who can't read or navigate in this world is one left behind and in the dark.

Who could possibly approve this spending in this worsening economic atmosphere, when there are children out in the streets, begging and selling to earn money?

How about using this $100 million to create jobs, or make sensible investments in our country? Why not subsidise university education more, since the majority of jobs available require a first degree?

If the future of a country isn't uplifted by its Government, it suffers by the hands of it.

Chantal Marriott

c.k.m92@hotmail.com

Proud, triumphant and free?

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The following scenario might appear to be from a comedy at one of our theatres; but it is not. It is a true story.

I would like to use this medium to highlight the critical state of our public health system and the plight of poor, unhealthy Jamaicans.

A young man's, wife, six months pregnant with her first child and in respiratory distress, bolted to the Accident and Emergency Unit of the University Hospital of the West Indies. She is a registered outpatient at their ante-natal clinic and was instructed to visit that area in the event of emergencies. Upon arrival, the couple were met by a security guard who questioned their reason for being there and then directed them to the nurses' station. The duty nurse, upon seeing them and hearing the complaint, blurted out "Go to Labour and Delivery." This without ascertaining how advanced the pregnancy was, making any checks of vital signs or rendering first aid.

In shock the young husband asked how he will get the wife, who was now barely conscious and could not stand on her own, there, and the response was: "The same way you got her here!"

No assistance was offered, no gurney, no wheelchair or medical escort, taking into consideration that the Labour and Delivery Ward was not around the corner. Directions to the Labour and Delivery Ward were given by the security guard -- "five sleeping policeman and then the right turn".

The husband held the now listless wife across the shoulders, shuffled her to their car and shoved her in as quickly as possible to get her there. He followed the guard's instructions and arrived at the destination only to find the steel grilles padlocked and unmanned. He panicked and started shouting as his wife's condition seemed to be deteriorating and they were now alone in a seemingly deserted, dimly lit area. A security guard appeared some time after and allowed entry. Medical assistance was finally attempted. However the doctor on duty did not have a stethoscope and utilised precious time in his endeavour to borrow one, while explaining to the young couple that the pregnant wife could possibly have a blood clot in her lung, which could be fatal! Thankfully it was not, but what if it were?

This is unbelievable, but true. What are poor Jamaicans in need of health care to do?

Juliet Steele

Kingston 19

romeosgirl52@yahoo.com

Shame on UHWI

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Dear Editor,

It is said that fools rush in where angels fear to tread, so pardon my folly. In fact, it may be worse, I may be about to take my life into my own hands, but then I believe in resurrection.

Reparative therapy (behaviour change) for homosexuals is seen by many therapists, gay and straight alike, as 'clinical crap'— my obnoxious words, not theirs — because it does not work and, for many if not most or all, it cannot work.

The confessions and apologies of Alan Chambers, former head of the now closed Exodus International (a ministry for persons with unwanted same-sex attractions and activity), seem to corroborate this view. But this raises some awkward questions for psychiatry and related disciplines.

What is it about homosexuality that makes it so resistant to psychotherapy and clinical behaviour modification interventions? I gather from friends in the field of psychology that behaviours that are usually associated with personality disorders are often difficult to treat, and so are behaviours resulting from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Psychiatrists should do us the favour of explaining why it is clinically pointless to attempt behaviour change even in a person who does not want to continue in a same-sex liaison.

Is it because this relates to sexual intercourse? Might it also then be clinically pointless to attempt behaviour change in any person who desires to give up fornication, adultery, bestiality, incest, or any other sexual attraction and practice? We need to know, help us please.

What then is the future of the now popular reparative justice programmes where behaviour change is emphasised over and even replaces imprisonment? Money well spent or wasted on a futile venture? Just asking.

Then, since I have already put my life in my hand, indulge me a bit further. Neurosurgeons treat brain-related maladies. What exactly do psychiatrists and psychologist treat within humans since the psyche (whether, soul, self or mind) is immaterial and invisible? Just asking, especially of those who are hard-nosed materialists and/or atheists: Is my problem too much time as an unemployed person or have I fallen in love with a coffin?

Clinton Chisholm

St Andrew

Unchangeable behaviour: A challenge for psychiatry?

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Dear Editor,

My name is George Phillips and I am an 84-year-old resident of Manitoba, Canada.

As a young boy I had the privilege of collecting stamps/coins/postcards from around the world.

There was no Internet or mass media back then, and this was one of the ways that one discovered the world around them.

I would like to pass this down to my great grandson, Tristan Phillips, so he too may enjoy a hobby that was once popular but is now fading.

Even at the age of four, Tristan has shown interest in stamps/coins/postcards.

With this in mind, we would greatly appreciate it if you anyone or everyone may find time to send Tristan some stamps, coins or postcards from your country so that I may assist him in the start of what may be a lifetime passion.

George Phillips

Box 106

Grosse Isle, Manitoba

ROC IGO Canada

Dear Editor,

The late American comedian, George Carlin, spoke about how public figures handle a PR crisis. He alluded to their penchant to comment, "I just wanna put this thing behind me and get on with my life." As Carlin poked fun at their use of this crutch, his line was: "I just wanna put this 'I just wanna put this thing behind me and get on with my life' thing behind me and get on with my life!

I remembered this on last Sunday nightas I watched the reaction on Twitter to the rather crass tweet from Dayton Campbell in reference to the Miss Jamaica World finalist. He later tweeted two apologies and subsequently deleted the offensive tweet. I could not help but think that this would fast become a scenario he would wish were behind him.

The responses have been many and varied. I, along with others, reacted with calls for a proper apology. Others went further, touching on the veneer of misogyny; an ineptitude to handle social media, etc.

What I would like to bring to the fore, however, are two things: First, the uncomplimentary allegorical statement, making a reference to the economy of Jamaica through his opinion of her body, carried with it a damning subtext. Dr Dayton Campbell is saying that the Jamaican economy is not in a good shape. A tongue-in-cheek question at this juncture would be, "So, tell us how you really feel, Dr Campbell. Don't hold back." In one moment, because he was "vex", he expressed a sentiment that betrayed the way he really feels about the economy.

What I would like to bring to the fore, however, are two things: First, the uncomplimentary allegorical statement, making a reference to the economy of Jamaica through his opinion of her body, carried with it a damning subtext. Dr Dayton Campbell is saying that the Jamaican economy is not in a good shape. A tongue-in-cheek question at this juncture would be, "So, tell us how you really feel, Dr Campbell. Don't hold back." In one moment, because he was "vex", he expressed a sentiment that betrayed the way he really feels about the economy.

This leads me to the second point. Campbell is a representative of the People's National Party which forms the government. His...Own...Party. He made this disparaging comment about the state of the Jamaican economy, being run by the Government of which he is a part. He has rendered a most harsh criticism of the Government and the way the Administration is running the country, and everything is alright? A nuh nutten?

It is inconceivable that in countries that we look to as better examples where governance is concerned, his standing with the party and government would not be rescinded the day after - if not later that night. But, as my grandmother used to say, "Cananapo!" Not a word.

There were Jamaicans on Twitter who seemed of the opinion that extending the brush from Dr Campbell to the People's National Party/Government, was politicising the issue and bordering on being self-righteous. I imagine that if we can hear a blatantly harsh criticism of their Administration from one of their own -- on a global platform, to boot -- and do not have a problem with the silence from the party's leaders/Government about this matter, then, Houston... we have a problem.

Have we become so comfortable with this, this thing that passes as respectable leadership and good governance in Jamaica? A nuh nutten a kill wi; our apathy is like a millstone around our necks.

Claudia W

Toronto, Canada

cyopro@yahoo.com

Damning subtext, Cananapo!

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Dear Editor,

There is an ongoing debate about the necessity, or not, of requiring all teens in school to achieve a minimum standard grade for all subjects taken, to which I wish to add my two cents.

I grew up thinking that one went to school to lay a basis for learning a skill or for further studies; you played sports when you had time.

But that was yesterday. Sports is today a huge business, and there is no doubt that boys and girls who have never studied a geometry theorem or learned to use a slide rule, or draw plans for a building, can become US dollar multimillionaires if they are one of the top Jamaican talents in some sport with widespread appeal.

Nevertheless, schools are there for a reason. Not every aspiring, even talented, athlete/sportsman will be able to support a family by means of his first love. And, while in school, everyone should be required to have some minimum scholastic background. This reminds me of a story I once heard where a coach was incensed when told that his star player could not be used in a game due to his failing all his subjects, including English. He insisted that a test be done in his presence as his boy was "bright".

Coach objected when the boy was asked to spell "consciousness", as that was too hard. They eventually settled on "coffee". Coach objected, and it was agreed that if the boy got ONE LETTER right, he could play. Smiling, the boy confidently spelled, K-A-U-P-H-Y.

Cathy Brown

cathy291181@yahoo.com

What of a minimum standard?

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Dear Editor,

A wise decision can be very difficult to make sometimes, especially when you are being put to the great test or find yourself in a tight spot. However, I must weigh in on this issue.

If a prosecutor has a serious case to pursue — such as a brutal murder — and is awaiting more witnesses to come forward to give evidence, and they refuse, then shouldn't he/she postpone the case, or keep it at a standstill, even if it's going to take 40 years?

If there is an incident of shoplifting or a land dispute, and the matter is being brought to court, the circumstances are different. If after waiting for years for people to come forward and testify, without any success, and at this time you decide against doing so — ie you get frustrated and terminate the case — then, we can see with you, and will understand.

But when a person is savagely killed you have to think twice and make the right decision.

It seems, when faced with this dilemma, our director of public prosecutions (DPP) throws out the case, bringing it to a premature end. This, to me, is a massive error, an heartbreaking calamity to those who were expecting a fair deal — now the losers.

Further, in so doing, you have rendered to Caesar what may not be due to Caesar. This is injustice disguised as fair deal — wrong, wrong, bad decision.

The DPP is a human being, so maybe she, along with her colleagues, has been struck by fear and intimidation, and are forced to go with the flow.

Moreover, this situation exists because people are becoming more and more afraid to give evidence in court. They are being trapped by fear and intimidation and this is a big problem — a national one. They have very little confidence in the Witness Protection Act, which doesn't seem to be working very effectively.

Maybe we will have to rely heavily on another strategy. One in which people can give their stories (evidence) without going into the actual courthouse.

But then again, what would happen to these places if witnesses should stay away?

Donald J Mckoy

donaldmckoy2010@yahoo.com

Time for a rule-change, DPP

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Dear Editor,

It is with dismay that I read your report in the Jamaica Observer that Dr Warren Blake, the President of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA), had stated that there was no chance of Jason Morgan being selected as part of the Jamaican team to the World Championships in Moscow, next month.

I was also surprised at the arrogance and finality of the words expressed by Dr Blake. When one considers that Morgan is ranked eleventh in the world and that twelve persons go through to the final of a field event, it stands to reason that he has a very good chance of making the final; and as we know, once you make the final anything is possible.

When it is also noted that he is the only Jamaican now eligible to compete in the discus at the World Championships, one has got to ask why he is not being selected. Dr Blake says that the reasons given by Morgan for not attending the Trials were not sufficient for him to be included, and there is no case to be made for him.

But I would have thought that if you are a permanent resident of the United States and live there with your family and have been given a date for the swearing-in ceremony to become a citizen — the week of the Trials — and as a result you are without any travel documents because you had to turn in your green card before the ceremony,0 and your American passport would not be ready in time, then that would be reason enough.

And furthermore, Mr Morgan did advise the JAAA president, in writing, as to his situation, and is not just bringing this matter to their attention after the fact.

In the event that the JAAA thinks that their position is bolstered by the fact that Morgan has only attained the "B" standard — albeit that he has thrown 65.94m which is just 6 cm shy of the "A" standard Time for a rule-change, DPP — it should be noted that this event is not like the 100m in which there are hundreds of athletes who have attained the "A" standard. There is a present chance of advancing.

If you have the privilege to lead an organisation such as the JAAA, in which you have the responsibility to nurture the talents of the Jamaican people and to ensure that our best athletes represent us at the highest level, you will be faced with situations for which your manual does not have a ready solution. But that does not mean that the decision is a difficult one. I believe that leaders can be best judged not so much on how they handle the difficult situations, because mistakes will be made, but on how they handle the simple situations.

Stewart Spencer

stew@cwjamaica.com

Consider and hear, JAAA

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Dear Editor,

The European Commission recently predicted that Eurozone GDP would fall 0.4 per cent this year, worse than the 0.3 per cent declined previously forecasted.

Europe is currently experiencing a new wave of austerity and the average European has no connection with the Caribbean. Therefore, a differentiated approach should not be a surprise to the region's technocrats.

A differentiated approach means that by 2014, the Caribbean — with the exception of Haiti — will graduate from development assistance. Europe's new policy for the region is outlined in the Joint Caribbean EU Partnership Strategy. Instead of focusing on individual states, the European Union will be investing in regional projects for climate change and other programmes.

Furthermore, Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean Executive Secretary Alicia Barcena recently called for a bolstering of the "bi-regional partnership". Barcena urged the region to build a new relationship with Europe based on science and innovation. The region should heed her advice.

We must not fool ourselves that the foreign policy of Europe and the East is based on economic pragmatism and not benevolence. With the conclusion of the Cold War, the region is no longer of significance to either bloc. Although, the balance of power is slowly shifting from the West to the East, the Caribbean is still playing the role of a mendicant. For example, China and Taiwan are competing for dominance in the region; hence the reason for their gifts to Grenada and Belize respectively. If the political directorate is serious about enhancing the region's competitiveness, then Caricom must go beyond functional cooperation. Improving the region's R&D capabilities must become a major priority. This will build the innovative capacity of the region and create new industries.

According to the World Bank, the region's top 20 products account for 70 per cent of exports. In order to become competitive the regional economy must be diversified. There is too much dependence on traditional exports.

Also, regional integration should be strictly about economics, not sentiment. For example, the region should create a Caribbean Institute for Science and Technology to provide entrepreneurs and researchers with financial and technical expertise. In addition, the Office of Trade Negotiations should establish a private sector advisory group to assist with policy formation. Contrary to popular belief, Caribbean countries have little in common; therefore regional integration should exclude functional cooperation, except in areas like education and health. Countries in the region should see each other as business partners, not as brothers and sisters.

Lipton Matthews

lo_matthews@yahoo.com

Caricom's new approach: economics, not sentiment

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Dear Editor,

I have noted with interest the various discussions and commentaries on the issue of drugs and doping in sports. Some events in the past few weeks have somewhat tarnished Jamaica's rich sporting history and achievements.

Indeed, continuing education on the subject of doping in sports is of paramount importance for athletes, coaches, medical and allied health personnel, other support staff, parents, teachers, sponsors, and the wider public.

The time has come for stakeholders such as the JOA, JAAA, Jamaica Association of Sports Medicine (JASM), JADCo, ISSA, UTech, and UWI to come together with a strategic plan with established timelines for a comprehensive education programme going forward.

The country has too much of a great sporting legacy regionally and internationally not to seize this moment. Let's do it now.

Nicholas K Ford (RPT)

JASM Member

fordnicholas199@gmail.com

Seize the drug opportunity

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Dear Editor,

There has been a great deal of talk about the debacle started by the Minister of Youth and Culture recently, much of it expressing concern about our leaders' apparent prioritisation of their party's image over everything else. I agree that in this case, it seems that political sensitivity to even valid criticisms have trumped not only children's rights, but a willingness to accept basic democratic actions.

I am heartbroken to see that the leaders of our country greeted a peaceful rights-based movement with a reaction as retaliatory and petty as attacking its content and threatening sanctions. Worse still, hours later, Minister Hanna encouraged Jamaica to participate in Nelson Mandela Day — an event that celebrates peaceful advocacy and human rights. The hypocrisy is astounding.

Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) started a petition requesting that certain measures — which the Minister admits are currently incomplete — be urgently finished. What about this is intellectually dishonest and malicious?

Issuing these facts is not "tarnishing the Government's reputation". It is basic reporting. If the State is looking for someone to blame for its embarrassment at the stories revealed by this organisation, it has no further to look than itself.

JFJ's lobbying on this issue is not new. The organisation has been discussing less-than-comfortable facts about the Government's management of its wards since 2004. Since then, issues have been published in the Gleaner, the Observer, on radio channels, and in JFJ's own press releases. Seldom has the country seen a response from the State as vitriolic as Hanna's denouncement of this single online petition.

The major difference between this initiative and JFJ's previous efforts seems to be the audience. Rather than being confined to locals, this information is now easily accessible abroad. If I were to judge from Government reactions, I would guess that they are more worried about losing face in front of foreigners than they are about letting down Jamaicans themselves.

To me, this matter should never have been about image, but since it is one of our Government's clear priorities, I can offer them good news. To our ministers: When it comes to reputation, organisations such as JFJ aren't really the ones in control; you are. Your finished actions in this sphere will speak far more loudly to observers than any petition JFJ could put together. If you do continue to lash out against all those — aside from your own associates, that is — who dare criticise the weaknesses of the Jamaican state. That, in its own way, will be equally telling.

Asrah Mohammed

asrah.mohammed@gmail.com

Government's reputation is its own to make

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Dear Editor,

As a member of the church and as a civilised human being, I wish to register my condemnation of the recent mob killing of alleged cross-dresser Dwayne Jones, which occurred on July 22, 2013 in St James. I only learned of this horrible tragedy two days ago. I extend my heartfelt sympathy to members of his family, his friends and his acquaintances.

Although I am totally against cross-dressing, the action against Dwayne is a transgression of the law. I pray that the perpetrators of this cowardly and cruel act will be swiftly brought to justice and that they will seek forgiveness from God and the family of Dwayne before it is too late.

A clear message must be sent to those who take the law into their own hands with impunity. No one has the right to take life but God.

There must be a national outcry against this and other similar types of barbarism of which, regrettably, we as Jamaicans are often guilty.

The right to life is non-negotiable. I call upon all our leaders, starting with the church and those in our Parliament, to set the tone for a less hostile, and more loving and caring society.

Charles C W Peter

ccwpeter@hotmail.com

Mob killings inexcusable

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Dear Editor,

I must commend Mrs Hyacinth Bennett and her Hydel Group of Schools for lifting the status of Miss Olivia McKoy. The entire Jamaica is exceedingly pleased. We salute you.

This new beginning is a move in the right direction. We need to put measures in place to assist sport persons, who have met hard times after their playing days have ended, to ensure that this sad state is never repeated. Such neglect is undeserving of a person who has flown our flag high.

I am sending an impassioned plea to Jamaica Administrative Athletics Association (JAAA) to handle this situation without delay. JAAA, too, has a role to play. Miss McKoy and other "public servants" need to be treated with much more care. They should be treated as ambassadors for the people who live under the black, green and gold.

Paris Taylor

Greater Portmore, St Catherine

paristaylor82@hotmail.com

Thanks, Mrs Bennett

...your time now JAAA

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Dear Editor,

Portland, birthplace of tourism in Jamaica, now lies as a dormant volcano.

The landscape is lush and one filled with scenic beauty. Some famous attractions and interests in the parish include the historic Titchfield Peninsula, the twin harbours, the Blue Mountain Range, Reich and Sommerset falls, Trident Castle - built with a royal family in mind - Trident Hotel, The Jamaica Palace Hotel, Rio Grande, Blue Lagoon, famous Boston Jerk Centre and the Winnifred and Frenchman's Cove beaches.

Rafting on the Rio Grande is a journey one has to definitely experience, as this will fill your blackboard of memories. While gliding down the ripples, one will hear the sweet birds singing and chirping as they flutter overhead among the trees. For the romantic at heart, the hanging limbs of the trees, forming arches, create a peaceful and calming ambience.

The new pier, one of the best in the Caribbean, is breathtaking, especially when picturesque vessels are docked in her harbour. Nearby, Navy Island -- where tourists used to frolic and once owned by famous American actor and lover of Portland Errol Flynn -- lies in ruins. To our great disbelief Portland now sleeps, and one would have to visit to see the conditions that our beloved parish is now faced with. We need action.

We are fortunate that we have a hard-working and visionary Mayor Benny Whyte to spearhead Portland's rise from the ashes. Portland has the potential to develop and come back to her former glory days. Improvements that are needed to bring back Portland to her former glory include:

* the renovation of the Musgrave Market, which is home to some of the most beautiful hand-crafted displays in the world

* the dredging of the harbour in order to accommodate larger ships will increase tourist arrival and in turn create more jobs for Portlanders

* the proper resurfacing of the major roadway east of Port Antonio leading to St Thomas for ease of traffic.

We need to put our hands and hearts together to rebuild Portland. Portland is a sleeping princess awaiting her prince to kiss her and awaken her. I am optimistic that this will happen in the future if we work hard to return her to her crown of glory.

Ruby Dixon Piskacek

Town Talk Store

Portland

rubypiskacek@gmail.com

Beautiful Portland awaits the awakening kiss of a prince

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Dear Editor,

I enjoyed the article by Mrs Lowrie-Chin "We are a great people — Sir Howard Cooke". It was encouraging, as were the words of Sir Howard Cooke. I have always firmly believed that there is tremendous talent locally. We have a pool of talented people right in Jamaica. It is evident from the many writings from insightful columnists in both The Gleaner and the Observer. And it is also evident from the achievements we read or hear about.

Despite having lived in North America for some 20 years and done all my post-secondary education here, I relied on my work ethic that was shaped in Jamaica to facilitate whatever successes I may have achieved outside of Jamaica. I tell folks all the time that the most effective leader I have had is Jamaica's own Mrs Christine Williams. She could teach ineffective leaders over here in corporate America a thing or three any day.

This is why it is so disheartening when, through our actions, we put Jamaicans second by placing such an emphasis on or giving priority to things foreign. Bypassing local talent and hiring from abroad, placing more value on degrees earned anywhere in foreign, making decisions that are not in the best interest of Jamaicans all send a very subtle message that we are not valued, not worth much. It is like "nuttin local nuh good".

Let's continue to back up the chat with action: Dip in the local talent pool, develop local talent, buy Jamaican. Or is that easier said than done?

Lance Kelly

lk.kellan@gmail.com

Great one, Lowrie-Chin

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Dear Editor,

It is with a sense of outrage and disgust that I read a news item in which a 17-year-old cross-dresser was set upon by a bloodthirsty mob at a party in Montego Bay and was brutally murdered.

The news, as reported, is that the young man was at a dance, and was dancing with a male counterpart when he was recognised by a woman who knows him. She alerted the crowd that was gathered that he was male. The angry mob then set upon him, beat him, ran a car over him, and then took the body and threw it on the side of the main road.

Are we a savage, heartless and barbaric society? Where is our compassion, is it nowhere anyone can reach it?

I want to say to the lady who pointed out this young man and allegedly egged on this angry mob: Shame on you, and blood is on your hands for the gruesome murder of this young man. I hope you were able to sleep with a clear conscience knowing that you were a party to this crime. It's a crying shame, lady, and your hands are stained.

But let me take this gruesome killing in the broader context of our society. It was only a few weeks ago that the Minister's Fraternal of Montego Bay, the same city in which this murder took place, declared that they would be militant against any repeal of the buggery law or parts thereof. They made it clear that they had the numbers and that it's a cause for which they were willing to die. He was killed for being who he is in a society that says you cannot. Shame on the Minister's Fraternal of Montego Bay, blood is on all of you shoulders as well.

Recently, Professor Brian Meeks declared that Jamaica is on the way towards a failed state. I did not hear him list homosexuality or the repeal of the buggery law as one of the reasons, yet we continue to wage war on a minority group of people. I would say that we are a failed state, because all the adults who took part or stood by and said nothing failed this young man. Unless we have greater compassion in our hearts for each other we are doomed for failure.

It was K O Williams who, when making reference to Jamaica, said: "My countrymen are thirsty, so they drink blood; hungry, so they eat flesh. No one spared; everyone speared."

Ralston Chamberlain

Toronto, Canada

Blood is on your hands too

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Dear Editor,

The cities of refuge were towns in the Kingdom of Israel and Kingdom of Judah in which the perpetrators of manslaughter could claim the right of asylum; outside of these cities, blood and vengeance against such perpetrators was allowed by law.

Citizens of Israel knew and identified the places of refuge. It was observed that once someone entered the place they were safe. There are several other aspects to the Biblical regulations and specific reference to the priestly and Deuteronomic Codes governing places of refuge and a judiciary process that follows. However, I would like to highlight the fact of observance with regards to being safe once a perpetrator entered a place of refuge.

Now this is not Israel, but Jamaica. Certainly St Andrew is not a designated kingdom and neither is Bull Bay a city of refuge; however it is observed in this nation and some places in the world that a church is a place of refuge where people consider safe. This is why I believe Chad Telfer entered the place of worship.

It is beyond me to think men would enter a building considered a place of refuge and take the life of another in the full view of children.

This act is a clear display of men with desperately wicked hearts and a nation in trouble. I recall overhearing a song Run guh inna church" by Mavado, which makes explicit the idea that going into a church cannot save an individual if someone decides to kill him. Another artiste Popcaan also has this line in a song, "Not even Jesus can save dem when the b**** rifle buss... bwoy drop pon di grung head leak out and the wall stick up." Then there is Vybz Kartel, "Mi murder people inna broad daylight..." Some will say the music has nothing to do with this and its mere social commentary and freedom of speech. Social commentary, huh?!

I guess when you have a personal experience we can comment on that too. It is not only absurd or ridiculous to think this way, but grossly retarded. It is a tragedy for us to continue living oblivious to these stark realities, and it is to our detriment if we do not amend aspects of the freedom of expression law entrenched in Section 22 of the constitution to curtail these artistes.

I do not know what this young man did, but to kill him, and at the altar for that matter, shows blatant disregard for life, the sanctity of a place of worship, and I dare say a place of refuge. Some months ago National Security Minister Peter Bunting was reduced to tears while he spoke on the metastasising issue of crime of violence. He noted that divine intervention was necessary to fight it and that the Church would be an ally.

Now we see the criminals displaying their deeds in the Church; but evil never wins and right never loses, and the Church will continue to do its part, as well as pray... "Eternal Father bless our Land. Guide us with Thy mighty hands. Keep us free from evil powers. Be our light through countless hours..."

Darren Murphy

Ministerial Graduate

Recruitment and Retention Officer, NCU

optimistmurphy8626@gmail.com

Church no longer a place of refuge

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