Jamaica Observer

Dear Editor,

It is rather appalling to see how Jamaicans have readily accepted information from a website that lacks credibility. Minister Hanna being listed as the fourth worst politician in the world is more like corny humour than it is a fact.

The reality is that the Minister of Youth and Culture, Hon Lisa Hanna, is one of the hardest-working members of Parliament and Government minsters that this country has seen in a very long time.

As a country, we have failed to defend our own, but instead we are widely known for throwing them under the bus. Why on earth can't we unite and fight off unscrupulous person who aim to divide us as a country? Will we allow them to continue destroying our reputation with inaccurate information?

The Minister has done more for children in state care in the past 18 months than has been done since 1962. According to the website, Minister Hanna is 4th on the basis that she has remained silent on issues that affects youth and juveniles in state care. I have never seen an argument more poorly presented and more biased.

The poorly crafted article fails to take into account the policies and social programmes that the minister has implemented and those that are currently being pursued. At no point do they make mention of what has been done to make the lives of these children better or more comfortable. The article fails to mention or even acknowledge the tremendous work the minister is doing in her South East St Ann Constituency. No mention is made of the programmes implemented there to help farmers, improve the lives of the less fortunate and opportunities provided for youth there.

I strongly believe this minister faces more scrutiny because she is a former Miss World, not because she has failed to carry out her mandate. But, we as a nation will never ever rise above the odds until we learn to appreciate the efforts of others and stop helping to tear down ourselves. The reality is that when people from all over the world read this she is not the only person looking bad, we will also look bad. It is our Jamaica. Let us lift up not tear down.

Tasha Smith

purple_rain4u2@yahoo.com

Minister Hanna unfairly listed

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Dear Editor,

The recent spate of killings in West Kingston is a serious point of concern. Not just for the innocent who are dying at an alarming rate, but for the future of the elimination of garrisons in Jamaica.

How will the Government, who campaigned on a mandate to remove garrisons in Jamaica, succeed at doing this if it cannot protect the innocent in the biggest garrison post-Dudus?

The psychology behind "garrisonisation" is quite straightforward. Area leaders are promoted based on the fact that they provide a certain level of security and support for a community seemingly forgotten by the State superstructure. Out of the despair and resentment rises a saviour who provides that which the Government cannot, either because of an unwillingness to or an inability.

Indeed, Jamaica has been a financially dependent country, over the decades, and this has mitigated against the support of some of these communities, and has subsequently led to the rapid growth in the number and size of garrisons through the 70s, 80s and especially the 90s.

Tivoli Gardens, however, was suppose to have been a symbolic victory. A victory that showed people that it is possible to be protected without the help of a war overlord. If the biggest garrison in Jamaica can survive without a Dudus, why can't you? This would've fostered a certain trust in the Government, and a removal or deterioration of the need to have garrisonised communities. But the State is failing to do that right now in West Kingston, either because of the same inability or the unwillingness that saw to its growth in the first place.

We hear of six people being killed in three days with far too much regularity. How will you convince people to help you fight against the garrisons they live in with the looming reality that if they do, they might die? The State needs to intervene in whatever way they can. The people will not give up these killers because they are still accustomed to the "garrison psychology", as such the State must take serious action. Whatever action is necessary. For if they don't, we will have a bigger, stronger Tivoli of yore, as I'm sure one might be growing as we speak. And God forbid if we have another "Tivoli incursion", accompanied by the deaths of scores of civilians.

We have a chance to fix a societal glitch, let us take it.

Kemoy Lindsay

kemoy.a.lindsay@gmail.com

Serious intervention needed in Tivoli

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Dear Editor,

The letter to the editor penned by Laje Moore published on Tuesday, August 20, 2013, entitled "Deployment of mathematics specialists flawed", has cast aspersions on the process used to deploy mathematics specialists in schools.

The placement of mathematics specialists in underperforming schools is a derivative of the National Mathematics Strategy, which was developed to support the implementation of the recently formulated National Mathematics Policy, that establishes standards and provides guidelines for sound mathematics education. Central to the policy is the effective teaching and learning of the subject in order to achieve improved student performance.

Under the direct supervision of regional mathematics coordinators, mathematics specialists work in schools to build teacher capacity. These specialists guide lesson planning, conduct demonstration lessons, strengthen content knowledge, and coach teachers in the development of the appropriate pedagogical skills. The specialists so engaged possess the requisite qualifications and expertise needed to carry out these functions as promulgated by the Ministry of Education. All mathematics specialists possess a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Education, five years' teaching experience and a pass in CSEC Mathematics.

Having met these basic requirements, shortlisted candidates are then required to successfully complete a mathematics test which, though administered online in a controlled environment, provides the basis for an objective evaluation of their content knowledge.

It is important to note that, of every 10 applicants, nine are secondary-trained mathematics teachers and most of the primary teachers who do apply do not pass the mathematics test. Successful candidates are, therefore, subject to an intensive and ongoing professional development programme which is designed to fill any gaps so observed.

The letter writer's claims are, therefore, unfortunate and unfounded. As national mathematics coordinator, I am held accountable in ensuring that established standards are maintained and regulations observed in order for the desired levels of improvement in the system to be attained in a cost-effective and efficient manner.

Tamika Benjamin, PhD

National Mathematics Coordinator

Ministry of Education

National Mathematics Strategy at work

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Dear Editor,

I write this letter with a heavy heart. I have just returned from the annual JTA Conference which took place at the Jamaica Grande Hotel in Ocho Rios. Overall it was an interesting and informative experience, but I simply have to place on record something disturbing.

On the third day of the colloquium, the executive team from the Ministry of Education, led by Education Minister Rev Ronald Thwaites attended the event. Minister Thwaites addressed the audience and his delivery was well received. He was respectful, cordial, even conciliatory in his words. His hand was extended to the several hundred teachers and the top brass of the Jamaica Teachers' Association. It was clear to everyone that the minister was eager to "mend the fence" and get on with the business of fixing the nation's education system.

Unfortunately, president-elect of the JTA, Doran Dixon, does not share this view. Mr Dixon throughout the minister's speech displayed petulant, churlish, puerile, boorish, and rude behaviour. He even walked off the platform as soon as the minister started speaking to the audience, for no apparent reason, with an annoyed expression masking his face.

In his "vote of thanks", Mr Dixon descended into a vitriolic tirade, which only served to embarass himself, his organisation and the teachers he represents. As an educator, I cry for my colleagues, students, and my country in general. God help us, if this is the person that is in succession to lead the once prestigious Jamaica Teachers' Association. The only solution is "divine intervention".

Disheartened Teacher

Jamaica

Doran at it again

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Dear Editor,

I was recently caught completely by surprise and as such I have to say thank you to a politician — something I thought I would never do.

On a recent trip to Jamaica over the summer holidays to stage one of our usual Rock River Bi-Annual Homecoming in Clarendon, we invited the Honourable Pearnel Charles, member of Parliament for the constituency, and he attended the function.

During his speech he promised to help us with a computer lab which we have been unsuccessfully trying to build for the school and the community for the past umpteen years.

To my surprise and delight, the following morning — a Sunday — I was promptly informed by members of our organisation that members of Mr Charles' technical team were on their way to Rock River to assess a temporary site proposed for the project to house the computers until we can get our more permanent building ready — a truly remarkable turnaround time.

With the assessment done, we have been promised that in approximately two months the computers will be delivered ready for use by the school and the community.

Mr Charles I must humbly eat crow, because I was one of the most skeptical persons hearing your promise, and I am heartened by the fact that there is hope yet for my country.

So now over to the Ministry of Education regarding the condition of the school building.

Claud D'Aguilar

Rock River Initiative

Surprised by a politician

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Dear Editor,

After reading Ms Shirley's article in Sports Illustrated, I cannot find anything to carp about, assuming the figures and information she exhibited are correct. I do not, however, like the timing of her article, coming almost co-jointly with the national high achievements at the Moscow Games. Nevertheless, as the "biggest" country in sprints we must use this as a wake-up call for instituting checks and balances and transparency in this and other national matters, instead of the all too prevalent nudge and a wink system of managing our affairs.

There is not a single nation on earth which can be trusted to do the right thing always, or there would be no need for rules of procedure . Due to the realities of human nature, even learned judges with a half-a-century of experience must stand down in a case where a close friend/relative or a spouse is due for trial.

Jamaica is now the biggest force, repeat world champion in fact, of short sprinting, so instead of adopting a "why pick on poor little me" attitude we should "man up" to the requirements of being big.

WADA is now threatening to kick Jamaica out of the 2016 Olympics if we do not comply with standard testing responsibilities . It can't be right that we can find millions to "shell down" at the London Olympics but are palms up with a dismissive shrug when it comes to setting up proper lab facilities.

We are #1 for a reason. It may be our unique early nurture of athletic talent as at annual Champs. It may also be that our people love and encourage the flair of explosive sports, and/or events, or a mix of the foregoing. What it is not, however, is inexplicable supernaturalism.

Cathy Brown

cathy291181@yahoo.com

'Man up' and deal with WADA threat

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Dear Editor,

Fifty-one years have passed, since we are an independent nation yet our political growth is stagnant, no different from 50 years ago when a challenge to the leadership of any of the two parties was regarded as sacrilegious.

It's pointless cataloging the various challenges and alienation of those who dare to challenge the incumbent leaders, these are already documented. We should put the ancient behaviour of the past away and create a democratic process to elect a party leader. Were we to examine our progress over the years it would be difficult to determine which of the two parties are more democratic in electing a leader.

It would appear that a party leader believes he/she owns the party and has the right to hang on to the leadership for life, whether their tenure is in the best interest of the country or not. It is obvious that something is seriously wrong why all our leaders so far seem to believe that they should not be opposed.

The problem must be in the selection process. Considering that the party leader is a prime minister in-waiting, the best person shoud be chosen.

The current selection process should be revamped and replaced with a more democratic system:

The delegate core should be expanded and should not be left to certain politicians to chose who should be delegates.

Delegates should have a minimum educational standard of four grade II CSEC passes. Delegate selection should be pro-rated, vetted volunteers, and others selected by a special committe.

Every contributor to the political party shoud be allowed to vote for party leader and their influence should stop there.

Any registered voter of the parties should be allowed to vote for party leader.

Voting should be at special voting stations only.

Voting shoud be supervised by the electoral office only.

The candidates for leadership should face a live television panel for a debate, and fair percentage of questions should be asked by public.

The polilical parties should examine their constitutions and make changes to their selection process.

I am sure that many politicians and there surrogates are saying this is nonsense. Nonsense or not you need to seriously examine your internal democracy before it infests our entire democratic system.

Tony Miles

tonymiles1940@gmail.com

Party electoral systems need review

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Dear Editor,

Over the years, two things have become apparently very clear to me about Jamaican politics:

1. The JLP is very bad at being an Opposition, good at managing the country's affairs, and does not have a PR team capable of highlighting the fact that it has the Jamaican people's best interest at heart.

2. The PNP does far better when in Opposition than it does when managing the country's affairs, and its spin doctors have the market pegged for convincing some of the Jamaican people that they are doing a good job, while continuing to malign the JLP at every opportunity.

People feed off negativity and will always gravitate towards anything negative, even lies, as long as it is made against something good.

The PNP PR is very good at selling negatives to the Jamaican people. "Vote PNP and nice times will return", NEGATIVE! "The JLP wreck the place so we will have to fix it", NEGATIVE!!

We have been witness to what can be considered reaching beyond treason by very high-ranking government officials of the PNP. Yet the JLP has failed to highlight as much as it seems to believe that it can fix the PNP's many mistakes by winning an election, NEGATIVE!!

While some of us Jamaican people are enslaved with the job of shovelling the mountains the PNP has dished out, the present Opposition has failed miserably to motivate the people of Jamaica to rebel against incompetence and greed, which is the very platform of the PNP.

On August 20,2013, with an impending IMF test, Finance Minister Dr Peter Phillips told PNP supporters at a meeting in Montego Bay that "there is no doubt that with all the progress that we were making on that road to achieve that mission, the four years of the Jamaica Labour Party set us back in the worst way that you can imagine."

We were all witnesses to 18 1/2 years of stagnation and mutilation of the Jamaican economy by the PNP, yet Phillips had the gall to make such a ridiculous statement. It doesn't take a genius to know that the art of distraction and the foundation for another "Blame the JLP" game is about to begin. The PNP's loyalists and apologists have always been blind, deaf and dumb to its failings, yet very vocal at the least bit of speculation concerning negativity within the JLP. It leaves one to wonder where the priorities of the Jamaican masses lay.

Alex Jahkno

Kingston

A field of political negatives

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Dear Editor,

At last we have a Jamaica Teachers' Association president who seems willing to tackle the issues and make public the core problems in the high school system.

In his address to the recently concluded conference he pointed out the injustices inflicted on our children by the GSAT placement system. This is something that our outspoken minister of education has been reluctant to comment on, although I believe he is quite aware of it. He highlighted in a context in which he objected to moves by the ministry to assume the right to move teachers around the country as the Government sees fit. I take it that the intention is to move them from where they are less needed to where they are needed more. While I consider this reasonable, it should be done by offering incentives to teachers to go where they are needed.

Teachers, more often than not, choose jobs for economic reasons. Many move out of Kingston to rural schools because the overall cost of living is at times lower. Low-cost housing at rural schools has been an effective incentive over the years. If they are going to be moved at the will of the ministry then their inconvenience must be compensated.

Mr Nicely is perfectly right when he questions the wisdom of placing the best teachers with the best students. For too long we have pampered traditional high schools by insulating them from the more difficult task of teaching weak students. If these schools were as good as we believe them to be, we would be able to identify the features which produce the superior results they get, and then apply them elsewhere.

The truth is that they really have nothing to tell us that is not generally known. Those of us who have taught at different schools is over the years will know that we will get significantly different results from students who have significantly different support systems beyond the school gate. The focus of the debate should be to find ways to give support to those students who do not have it at home. We continue to point out that 70 per cent of the students are performing at an unsatisfactory level, ignoring the fact that it means that 30 per cent are producing satisfactory results in the same schools in the system.

The same numbers also show that success is distributed across all schools. We need to find out why these students are able to succeed and then try to ensure that all students have the same experiences that led to their success. I implore him to continue to do so and to educate the public about the real issues confronting us in education.

R Howard Thompson

howardthompson507@yahoo.com

Time to look at the real issues in education

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Dear Editor,

With all the rumors flying around that the current leader of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) may be challenged, it must be asked if anything like that could really happen any time soon. Who else in the JLP can take over the reigns of leadership at this time?

Let's not fool ourselves, less than two years ago the top brass of the JLP decided that no one else but the current leader was fit to lead that party. Without even giving the delegates an opportunity to decide, they squeezed in Andrew Holness, hoping that he would have brought victory for the party.

When it became clear that the electorate saw through the ruse, and the JLP was handed a crushing defeat. Members began grumbling, and are still grumbling. Why? It's not like much has changed within the party since then.

As far as I can see, all the possible alternatives to Holness are not worthy to lead the JLP. The top contender, Audley Shaw, presided over several consecutive quarters of economic decline. If he couldn't manage a single ministry, how on Earth is he going to oversee all of them?

As for the rest of them, there isn't much hope either. Far too many of them are way over the hill already — and I'm not just talking about physical age, but how they think. Those that aren't over the hill have yet to prove themselves. The JLP clearly doesn't have an alternate leader, and it knows that the rest of us know this fact.

While Holness may have been a reasonably good education minister, he is not prime minister material — at least not yet. All is not lost for him, though. The JLP still has quite a few more years in Opposition — maybe five to ten more. So, Holness can use that time to surmount that learning curve to convince the rest of us that he is a worthy prime minister.

Mr Holness need not worry, he may not be the best leader, but he is still way ahead of the rest in the JLP.

Michael A Dingwall

Kingston

Who else can lead the JLP?

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Dear Editor,

Jamaica, especially western Jamaica, should take its hat off to the Lyns for their patriotic act in the reburial of Allan George St Cleaver Coombs, "AGS" Coombs and Father Coombs as he was popularly known in St James.

When the Government dropped the ball — or more relevantly, the pall — the Lyns picked it up and carried it for a long time, passing through many obstacles, until they reached the goal.

In 2006, I wrote and your paper published the letter under the caption 'Transfer Father Coombs remains to St James'.

In that letter I wrote: "The proper burial place for AGS Coombs would be in Montego Bay, with a proper monument in his memory. An alternative site would be a specific location, that is, a park in Anchovy, St James, also with a monument.

I understand that the Government has lands in Anchovy. Why not utilise a part of this land for this purpose? This is not politics. This is a matter of preserving important aspects of our history and building national consciousness.

It was under Father Coombs that the Anchovy Post Office, which now also houses the Anchovy Police Station, was built. Minister Coombs lived at the apex of the triangle formed by the "Works Road", the "Crossing Road" and the main road. The Anchovy High School sits at one angle of the triangle.

The lands are there. Is the spirit there to name the school, the roads and the "park" in honour of this man of the people?

Louis Alexander Hemans

lahemans@aol.com

'Father Coombs' at rest

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Dear Editor,

It has been reported that it is the intention of the Government of Jamaica to enter into an agreement with the Chinese to build the planned "Logistics Hub" on Goat Island off the coast of Old Harbour in St Catherine. This agreement and plan carries with it some extremely serious implications for the renewal and rebuilding of downtown Kingston.

As is known to all concerned, the state of dereliction, which exist in that area between the Jamaica Railway Corp up to East Street running along Harbour Street in the south and extending to the north up to and including Barry Street, came about in part, as a result of the moving of the ports westward to their new location. Along with moving the ports, the offices of custom brokers, freight forwarders and other logistic services providers also moved to new locations, and with them caterers and other support service providers.

It is equally known, that today, the bulk of manufactured goods and some industrial raw materials and machinery passing through the waters of the Caribbean from the Panama Canal, have their origins in China. Are the Chinese going to have their own logistic hub on Goat Island and use the logistic services available at Kingston Harbour for the processing and tracking of their exports? Would that make good business sense?

In my view, it would not. If most of the containers destined for this region are from China, would the Chinese who own their own logistics hub retain an interest in using the services and storage provided at Kingston Harbour? I do not think that would be in their best interest. If the Chinese own their own business hub in Old Harbour, are they going to allow cargo from Central and South America destined to China via the Panama Canal to use the services and berthing facilities provided at Kingston Harbour?

Thus, what one is dealing with is the strategic downgrading of Kingston Harbour and its logistic services, forcing logistics service providers to migrate to Goat Island or as close to it as they can get. Such a migration of logistics service providers would have a devastating social and economic impact on the entire area around Newport East and West, with the ports becoming specialised in the handing of motor vehicles and minor goods from regional countries.

Given the failure of the members of Parliament from the constituencies in which the Kingston Harbour is located to make suitable representation of the interests of their constituents and the business operators who ply their businesses in these constituencies, the Mayor of Kingston needs to take immediate action to protect the economic and social welfare of the city and in doing so protect the economic and social interests of the capital of Jamaica.

It is also my view, that steps need to be taken immediately to seek to expand the services of the Kingston Harbour to include the berthing of cruise ships and providing the logistics and maintenance services they need for their normal operations.

Basil Fletcher

BasilAksumite@hotmail.com

Logistics Hub, here we go again

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Dear Editor,

A recent letter from a "Disheartened Teacher" about the conduct of Mr Doran Dixon, president-elect of the JTA, at the recently concluded JTA conference caught my eye. I'm pretty sure that teacher spoke, not just for the majority of teachers -- including some who voted for Mr Dixon after he used the pejorative of "mongrel dog" to describe the Hon Minister of Education -- but for all well-thinking Jamaicans.

Having gone with an olive branch, the minister did not deserve such boorish hostility from one whose job gives him significant influence over future teachers in one of Jamaica's most noble institutions -- The Mico University College.

In a democratic organisation like the JTA, however, majority rules, so JTA will have to live with "lion-hearted cat" Mr Dixon's behaviour for three long years because his elevation to the top brass starts from president-elect, to president, to immediate past president, unless JTA's rules make provision for recall. Failing that, many more will be holding their heads down when he takes a podium in the future.

Indeed, a very good example of "be careful what you wish for".

I also note with keen interest the debate on this subject, which is near and dear to my heart. My simple contribution is, someone with a pass in CSEC mathematics, who has not done further studies in math since passing CSEC; he/she could even have a dozen degrees, even to the level of PhD, is still not qualified to teach CSEC math.

Math is like music "use it or lose it", so someone not active in further learning and constant practice of math cannot teach it to others at the same level they have achieved.

In my opinion, to teach math at the secondary level requires, in addition to CSEC Math, Add Math, CAPE 1&2, and Further Math, along with a high level of mastery in pedagogy. There is the pervasive attitude that you don't need a good command of English to teach Math. I totally disagree. We are dealing with education!

Trevor L A Blake

tlablake@gmail.com

Matters of education

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Dear Editor,

In recent years the issue of human rights has been the topic of many conversations, with more and more groups citing violation of their human rights. What exactly are human rights, however?

According to the United Nations: "Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, whatever our nationality, place of residence, sex, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, language, or any other status."

In the deliberate attempt to maintain one's human rights, we ought to be careful as not to, in the process, encroach upon the rights of others. This exact scenario seems to be taking place at the moment with an irate flag-bearing group calling for the withdrawal of Queen Ifrica from an upcoming show based on the assumption that Ifrica made disparaging comments about their group.

I do not purport to speak on behalf of Queen Ifrica, but rather to express my views on the treatment meted out to the public for walking a straight line, for our freedom of expression as a people. What kind of message are we being sent by this group and its affiliates, and whose human rights are being infringed upon?

The United Nation Universal Declaration of Human Rights, under Article 18, states that everyone has the right to freedom of thought and freedom to practice their religion privately or publicly. Additionally, Article 19 states, everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression. This includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and communicate information and ideas through any media.

Queen Ifrica is being castigated for expressing herself as a human and as a Rastafarian, albeit she committed no offence. It is imperative that every Rastafarian slated to perform on that ill-named show withdraw their support. We must stand up against these reprehensible acts. It's quite ironic how the ones crying for human rights are abusing the rights of others. Rastafarian perspectives on world affairs are quite known. Bob Marley, the universally accepted face of Rastafarian, would have vented more vitriol than Ifrica's had he been alive today. Who will it be next to be banned? Maybe soon sanctions will be placed on our nation if we do not endorse their acts. We must stand up for our rights, stand up for what we believe, providing of course that our beliefs are morally and ethically sound. "How long shall they kill our prophets while we just sit aside and look?" The writing is on the wall.

George Campbell

george.ras73@gmail.com

Human rights for all

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Dear Editor,

It is time for Jamaica to vote directly for her leaders. Prime ministers are voted for by parliamentarians, and mayors — all but one — are voted for by councillors.

This process affects who offers themselves for political service and creates barriers that protect the current office holders from any significant challenge from anyone who does not choose to make politics a lifelong career.

At the current salary scales for politicians we literally have institutionalised corruption and insist that anyone who would seek these high offices must pass the party litmus tests of patronage and rent-seeking behaviour.

Jamaica will never get a Michael Bloomberg.

Under this system we are relegated to accepting only who the political parties believe will ensure that their interests are put above the country's. Is it any wonder who gets the top job?

There is a lot of talk these days about the paucity of leadership, but that's all that is, talk. If we want better leaders we need to fix the system so that the leaders we need will emerge. Even those with whom we are fascinated in the second-tier of the political parties are merely just the better of a poor lot.

Ever wonder why most of our political leaders are not very successful outside of politics? Even the ones who are lawyers are many times mediocre, with notable exceptions of course, and get appointed "QC" not based on legal ability or success at the bar, but due to political cronyism, patronage and, some might even say, as reward for party work done.

We in the private sector and John Public are not powerless to change this system. We must demand better. That is where we have failed. We are prepared to accept the status quo as long as we are protected from it or we can manipulate it for our own benefit.

That power and influence, however, is waning. The political parties, in seeking to diversify their revenue take, have found alternate streams through construction contracts and the appointments in cash-rich state agencies. Once they are properly manned, then the procurement guidelines present no hindrance. The National Contracts Commission grades and the artful use of the term "non-responsive" will usually allow for the corrupt to cloak their choices with the appearance of probity.

It is necessary for political parties to do this so they don't have to rely on the contributions of persons who might have the audacity to expect better governance for their financial support.

We must call upon those who still have some influence — especially the retired, newly minted statesmen seeking to be seen as old, wise and full of integrity — to break down these essentially colonial barriers and give us a political system that will make it possible for real leadership to come forward and chart a way for economic growth, lower unemployment and safer communities.

Eliot Penn

Kingston 5

New political system needed

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Dear Editor,

I note with favour the editorial in your Sunday edition (August 25, 2013) which appeals to the minister of finance and the Government to stay the IMF course, which will entail a lot of sacrifice and "bitter medicine" for all Jamaicans, and not divert for politically expedient reasons for retention of power as the road becomes more difficult for all.

My added thought would be to prioritise the winning objectives and rightly utilise whatever resources are available, while using powerful media and political forces to do repetitive reminders that there are few options left for Jamaica's survival and/or recovery from the financial disasters we brought upon ourselves by taking the more popular routes, especially in the '90s and early 2000s when we knowingly and admittedly were in "run with it" mode.

The IMF "bitter medicine" and prescriptions for servicing our $1.8-trillion debt are admittedly rough, but I appeal to those who must carry out the guidelines to recovery to be strong; no one relishes the bad-guy role, and it is especially undesirable in the world of politics. One can recall former Prime Minister Edward Seaga's 1989 rejection at the polls for, in the most part, his unpopular tough course of action. So this time I wish to add my voice to support the media call for those whose duty it is to lead a strong stand and be firm — regardless of the cries of pain which undoubtedly will arise — to stay the course.

I, however, pray that a level of cushioning can be found for the large numbers who, I fear, will be most vulnerable. I also must pray that the IMF prescription is truly the cure and will turn out to be the correct medicine, and that the sacrifices will prove to be the answer.

Jusjean

Manchester

Good editorial appeal

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Dear Editor,

I am a 19-year-old man who is ecstatic about the development projects China wishes to pursue with Jamaica, strengthening our strong diplomatic relations with China which stretch back to the 1970s.

It is quite interesting, however, the public outcry from environmentalists regarding the proposed plan to use parts of the Portland Bight Protected Area to build the trans-shipment hub.

I believe that we all, Government and citizenry, have a responsibility to protect the environment. However, I hold dear to the view that it is a responsibility of our Government to pursue development in our country that will result in a better socio-economic outlook for our people. And so I must express my deepest concern with regards to the statements that have been made against the proposed development of the Portland Bight Protected Area.

To calm our fears I believe the Government must carry out a series of actions. First, they must undertake to establish an environmental oversight committee, like that of the economic oversight committee. However this committee must be given teeth so as to execute the proper protection of the environment, coupled with the careful inclusion of development. I recommend that the minister of environment and the Opposition spokesperson be co-chairs of the committee. Also I recommend that Jamaica Environment Trust CEO Diana Macaulay, and Peter Espeut -- both champions of the environment -- be drafted as members of the committee. Also NEPA, which is charged with protecting the environment, must be given committee membership.

Next the Government of Jamaica must have town hall meetings to inform the citizenry of the proposed plan and its impact. These meetings must indicate the number of persons to be employed and also the terms and conditions of employment. The Government must also state in these meetings the number of Chinese nationals to be employed, and what will be the ratio to Jamaicans who will be employed. We must, with great speed, increase maritime training in the area of shipping logistics, and other areas that will play a pivotal role in the execution of this project. The finance and education ministries, through Cabinet instructions, must give clear guidelines to the agencies such as Students' Loan Bureau to give preferential loans to faciliate the training.

I humbly urge the Government to take into consideration the proposals, as I undoubtedly believe that, with the inclusion of all stakeholders, our project can be achieved.

I urge all Jamaicans to lend support to the Government. However, I urge the Government to ensure that, at all times, dialogue is had with all stakeholders. I refer the Government to a document it once pushed while in Opposition -- The Progressive Agenda -- which outlined some very good principles of participation in governance, especially the PAR principles, which includes participation accountability and responsibility.

Jamaica is poised for greatness in this our 51st year of Independence. Let us all hold hands as we cross this bridge to economic development.

Abde Lee

abblee.god @gmail.com

Environment vs Development

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Dear Editor,

In light of all the training, etc that has been given to members of the police force I wonder what is the purpose.

Citizens are been encouraged to give information to the police, but what is the purpose if when you call them, they never show up. I have made calls to the Hunt's Bay Police Station more than once, and up to this point no one has ever showed up.

If individuals were not so demotivated perhaps things would be better. So now, what? Do we see the wrong and just cast a blind eye?

All seem futile for Jamaica where some cops and crime are concern.

A Kaller

St Andrew

Police no show

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Dear Editor,

While many fans have been basking in the success of our nation's track and 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 4x400m 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 at which he competed 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 legendaries such as Herb McKenley, 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

Track pool rejuvenated

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Dear Editor,

In light of the recent drama surrounding Jamaica's reggae artiste Queen Ifrica, let me remind our Jamaican public that the 2011 Charter of Rights for Jamaicans, which the gay community loves to refer to, recognises the fundamental right to free speech and free exercise of religion. And whenever there is the danger of those fundamental rights being infringed, it is the duty of those concerned to point it out.

The same Charter states: "All persons in Jamaica are entitled to preserve for themselves and future generations the fundamental rights and freedoms to which they are entitled."

Supporters of the gay lifestyle often misuse words or take them out of context. Words like homophobia, discrimination, bigotry, intolerance, hate speech, et al, are used to try to discourage any form of criticism about the abnormal and sinful lifestyle. Many weak-minded religious people usually fall for it, confusing frankness with "hate", and confusing preaching straight truth — as allowed by freedom of speech and freedom of religion rights – with "intolerance".

But I must remind everyone that the same Charter of Rights states: "Every person shall have the right to freedom of religion including the freedom.... to manifest and propagate his religion in worship, teaching, practice, and observance."

This permit the right to preach the tenets of any religion and to not be muffled if it happens to point out the sins of society.

Never let anyone subvert that fundamental right that you have in the name of protecting one minority group.

Derrick Gillespie

Defender of traditional family values

Freedom under attack by minority

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