Dear Editor,
I am a citizen of Jamaica who is interested in the progressive development of my country irrespective of which political party is in power, as their decisions will affect how I live.
Today I saw on news, journalists clamouring for the attention and responses of one of our ministers of Government like hungry fish being sparingly fed in a small pond. Getting information from this Government is like hoping for rain in the driest of deserts. When did we come to this?
I was mistaken to believe that our ministers were elected by the people to serve the people, including being transparent and forthcoming with critical information in a timely manner. The last Government was criticised for talking too much, this current one has taken its cue from its leader, that information should only be provided when there is no other option.
I have never heard my prime minister ever on any radio or TV interview just having a frank discussion about matters of development and our collective responsibility to putting this country on a path of sustainable growth. Am I the only one who considers this to be more than odd? There is hardly any word from the major ministries in the Government about what is happening in this country.
What is the policy from the finance minister on the devaluation of the Jamaican Dollar and its effects on our manufacturing industry? What is the plan from the security minister to curb the upheaval of violent crimes in the country? What is the plan of the Government for the development of the logistics hub at Goat Islands? Too many of these questions exist for so many ministry areas, and as a citizen of Jamaica I am saying that this state is unacceptable.
I consider myself to have a more than average interest in current affairs, so I listen to the news daily and read both major papers, so I'm sure it's not a case of being out of touch with releases provided. I am not asking for all information to be divulged on all issues now, I am only asking that the key government officials, who are servants of the people, provide critical information to the public they were elected to serve in a clear and timely manner.
Garnnet Webber
Jamaica WI
Silence of the lambs: Has the Gov't gone dumb?
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Silence of the lambs: Has the Gov't gone dumb?
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Tell us Mr Shaw, tell us
Dear Editor,
You have been deputy leader of Area Council Three for 14 years, what is your outstanding achievement in that political terrain? Mr Shaw, before making the decision to mount a leadership challenge you owe it to the public to tell us what you have accomplished.
Firstly, were you able to carry home Central Jamaica in the last election? Under your watchful eyes, the parish that you represent has only one sitting MP. How many seats were you able to carry home for St Ann? The same can also be asked for Clarendon, as there are only three MPs. So then, if you were not able to carry home Central Jamaica why then you seek to become the leader of the JLP? My grandma always say "yuh affi learn fi dance a yard before yuh can dance abroad".
Mr Shaw please to tell the nation:
Were the concerns that you now passionately share in the public domain placed on the records of the officers' meeting of the Party?
Did you make any contribution to the central executive as how the JLP can position itself in becoming a more popular Opposition?
Were these concerns made known to the present Leader of the JLP?
Where are the records to show your discontent and concerns of the way in which the JLP was/is moving?
Were you waiting for your time to shine?
Please be advised that a criticism of Holness's leadership is also one of your own failure -- teamwork, teamwork, Mr Shaw. While I admire your ambition to lead this noble party, I urge you reconsider your position in the interest of the JLP and Jamaica. You are a good worker, but not the man to lead us. You, however, are a part of the plan to achieve Andrew Holness's vision. There is a place for you in his leadership.
Glen Campbell
Milk River
Clarendon
Tell us Mr Shaw, tell us
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Obama has spoken on Syria, what of us?
Dear Editor,
A few days ago the President of the United States of America Barack Obama, while speaking in the historic White House's Rose Garden, informed his country and the global community that he, as commander-In-chief, will be taking the necessary action to stop the murder, slaughter and killing that is taking place across the country of Syria.
Further, the President of Syria Bashar al-Assad has recently sprayed the chemical gas sarin in certain areas of Syria, which is despicable, scandalous and utterly reprehensible, to put it bluntly, and thousands of persons in that country died from that disgraceful chemical attack of monumental proportions.
According to President Obama, he has been informed that the United States Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Special Operations Forces are ready for any military action that will be taken against the Assad government, and that he will be seeking the approval of Congress for a military action and/or invasion of Syria. And, thereafter, the required military action and assault will be effected against Syria.
President Obama is absolutely correct to seek the official approval from the United States' Congress (House of Congress & the Senate) before taking military action against Syria. However, I do believe that President Obama has to take the required military action against Assad and his inherently corrupt regime because thousands of innocent Syrians have already died from being murdered by the corrupt security forces who are aligned to President Assad.
I do believe that both Houses of Congress will approve a military invasion against Syria by the United States and he will need the fervent, firm and earnest support of the Arab League and other important countries in strategic locations in that section of the world if the United States is to carry out a successful invasion plan against Syria and ultimately remove Assad from power in an expeditious and prudent manner. Importantly, he will need the support of Israel and its president, and other countries such as Turkey and France.
The massacre in Syria has gone on for much too long, and I expect to hear an official statement here in Jamaica from the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade A J Nicholson relating to our country's official governmental position on the matter which is a very serious international and security issue.
The United States of America is the world's most powerful and leading democracy, and that country has a distinct responsibility to help other countries which warrant assistance and help from corrupt leaders. It is now important for President Obama and his national security team to devise a specific, informed military strategy for the possible invasion against Syria.
Prime Minister Simpson Miller should publicly support the recent statement and possible invasion of Syria.
Robert Dalley
Montego Bay,
robertdalley1@hotmail.com
Obama has spoken on Syria, what of us?
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Love you 'Man a Yard', but no!
Dear Editor,
As a JLP diehard who enjoys "Man a Yard" as my main act at Conference and party rallies, I am bereft of conclusive reasons that qualify him to be party leader. The bright, young affiliate Turks, who undoubtedly are eyeing the potential bone from their investment in this race are at a deficit in supplying adequate reasons for supporting Shaw beyond the frenetic, 'Andrew can't whip up a crowd! Him caan cuss off di PNP dem!'. Surely there ought to be more solid reasons to qualify for leadership, and if this is the posture of the bright minds of our country, then we are in a dismal way. Consider this syllogism:
A good leader must be able to whip up an audience.
Audley Shaw can whip up any audience. Therefore, Audley Shaw will be a good leader.
Consider the second syllogism:
The JLP will win the next election if they have a 'hype' leader.
Audley Shaw is full of 'hype and vibes'. Therefore, the JLP will win the next election.
Absolutely ridiculous. Both premises are faulty, therefore the conclusion must be incorrect.
Everyday is not campaign day. The leader will not only represent the party but ultimately the entire society. We need to move beyond the stage show style of leadership and subscribe to depth of character and content and a focus on tackling hard-core issues. We are too easily distracted by noise; it is too easy for us to get caught up in the latest dance moves while our economy suffers.
Talk to us about Mr Shaw's track record in his constituency. Talk about Mr Shaw's ability to engage all -- even the PNP -- in a civil manner. Talk about Mr Shaw as a team player. Prior to his challenge, he said that he would not be seeking re-election. Are we to understand that it is all or nothing; if he is not leader he will walk?
Talk about how Mr Shaw is perceived by his colleagues for the top job. Talk about how Mr Shaw handles in-house party duties, is he the type who 'arrives late and leaves early'? Talk about how the wider Jamaican society perceives Audley Shaw. Do they see in him a PM?
Tell us, beyond his exuberant style, what qualifies Mr Shaw more than the incumbent Andrew Holness for leadership. It is not adequate to supply that Mr Shaw does excellently in finance therefore he will be a good leader -- another catastrophic syllogism! )
Do you remember the nightmarish chant by the PNP, 'call it Andrew call it'? It is rumoured that the same PNP would prefer an Audley Shaw as leader of the JLP, and may even spend heavily to support his bid. If this is true, we wonder why.
Andrew Holness may not jump, shout nor prance about, however his committment to aligning the JLP toward victory and positioning Jamaica for growth is beyond speculation. He is a resolute leader whose style embraces engagement.
We are tired of the "slapstick" politics. No wonder the youths and the middle classes are so apathetic to the process. So, if the 'wheel and come again selector' mode of leadership is the branding of Shaw's quest, we are not interested. That is the very thing that we are shunning in this new dispensation.
Until the Shaw camp can offer more granite reasons, Holness continues to be the best option. A benefit of teamwork is that a variety of skills are available from different persons. Whoever has the shouting and tracing gift can be called on to use it when necessary. With Holness as a stable, honest, hard-working leader, Shaw can compliment the team with his 'versatility' when needed. He doesn't have to be leader to do good work.
Glen Campbell
Jamaica
Love you 'Man a Yard', but no!
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Give the Chinese Goat Islands
Dear Editor,
Why do we continue to shoot ourselves in the foot? The latest unemployment figures show a rise to over 16%. Over 27% in young people ages 18-25, and over 40% in women. These figures are alarming at best. It's a chronic indicator that our economy is declining rapidly. It's an indicator that, in the near future, there could be more crime and violence, hopelessness, etc.
This country has been in decline for over 40 years, and is in desperate need for investment which will drive development, which will create jobs, which will boost tax revenue and hence grow the economy.
These environmentalists have opposed every major project the Government has put forward to grow the economy. They have highlighted there objections about the north/south highway link by saying that the some of the soil content between the Mandela Highway and the Linstead Bypass could not handle the weight of such a massive infrastructure. Have these enviormentalist ever being to Nevada in the US and seen where superhighways and cities are built in a desert? Have these enviormentalist not been to Aubu Daibi, Saudi Arabia, etc, to see engineering marvels that merge man and the enviorment in a win-win situation.
It is time for innovative and bold thinking,. The idea that the only way to preserve and protect the environment is not to touch it is rubbish. As a people it is time for us to change our approach to growth and development. We are in desperate need of capital injection, and if if we don't willingly open our doors to local and international investors, then pretty soon Jamaica will become wasteland.
Phillip Harrison,
Old Harbour Bay
Give the Chinese Goat Islands
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We can't have it both ways; compromise
Dear Editor,
As I watch the political and environmental manoeuvrings in relation to the proposed development of a trans-shipment port on Goat Islands, I am reminded of a most unpleasant experience which my family and I had many years ago in Manhattan, New York.
We were visiting relatives and decided to take a cruise around the island of Manhattan. However, once we got underway, we were struck by just how filthy the waters were. We subsequently realised the inconvenient truth, that hidden behind the impressive soaring skyscrapers of 5th avenue, the glamour of Times Square, the financial wonder which was Wall Street and the extravagance of Broadway, lies the stark reality that the rapid industrialisation of New York City and the growth in its population, over the past century, had come at a tremendous cost.
The dumping of billions of gallons of toxic industrial waste and sewage into the Hudson, East and Harlem rivers around Manhattan had almost irretrievably ruined the harbour and destroyed its aquatic life. This foul-smelling, foreboding, black, lifeless abyss before us was, in reality, just as much a legacy and just as pertinent to one's quality of life, as was the chic, wealthy and glamorous side of New York.
Given this experience, it is quite clear to me that the callous destruction of our environment is not an option. Neither, however, is the abject poverty of our nation. Therefore, as we collectively contemplate the Goat Islands and other developmental projects, we need to decide where on the continuum of economic development versus environmental purity we wish to be. We simply cannot have it both ways.
At one extreme, we can preserve our pristine, unspoilt environment at the cost of our people remaining poor and destitute. At the other, we can have New York City style economic development at the cost of wanton environmental devastation.
Fortunately for us, this is a false dilemma, as in reality there exists a spectrum rather than isolated absolute extremes. While I agree with the environmental lobby that we need to protect our environment, let us not delude ourselves. We cannot expect to grow, develop and prosper economically without accepting that there will be some compromise to our environment.
Handel Emery
handelemery@hotmail.com
We can't have it both ways; compromise
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As I watch the political and environmental manoeuvrings in relation to the proposed development of a trans-shipment port on Goat Islands, I am reminded of a most unpleasant experience which my family and I had many years ago in Manhattan, New York.
We were visiting relatives and decided to take a cruise around the island of Manhattan. However, once we got underway, we were struck by just how filthy the waters were. We subsequently realised the inconvenient truth, that hidden behind the impressive soaring skyscrapers of 5th avenue, the glamour of Times Square, the financial wonder which was Wall Street and the extravagance of Broadway, lies the stark reality that the rapid industrialisation of New York City and the growth in its population, over the past century, had come at a tremendous cost.
The dumping of billions of gallons of toxic industrial waste and sewage into the Hudson, East and Harlem rivers around Manhattan had almost irretrievably ruined the harbour and destroyed its aquatic life. This foul-smelling, foreboding, black, lifeless abyss before us was, in reality, just as much a legacy and just as pertinent to one's quality of life, as was the chic, wealthy and glamorous side of New York.
Given this experience, it is quite clear to me that the callous destruction of our environment is not an option. Neither, however, is the abject poverty of our nation. Therefore, as we collectively contemplate the Goat Islands and other developmental projects, we need to decide where on the continuum of economic development versus environmental purity we wish to be. We simply cannot have it both ways.
At one extreme, we can preserve our pristine, unspoilt environment at the cost of our people remaining poor and destitute. At the other, we can have New York City style economic development at the cost of wanton environmental devastation.
Fortunately for us, this is a false dilemma, as in reality there exists a spectrum rather than isolated absolute extremes. While I agree with the environmental lobby that we need to protect our environment, let us not delude ourselves. We cannot expect to grow, develop and prosper economically without accepting that there will be some compromise to our environment.
Handel Emery
handelemery@hotmail.com
We can't have it both ways; compromise
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All this gay fuss
Dear Editor,
Listening to the upsurge re the gay community and Queen Ifrica, I wonder why the gays are so unfair to the wider society?
Every day all they can talk about is their rights. So what happen to the "straights" of the society, don't they have rights too? It seems that because the gays are among the rich and powerful they try to muzzle people.
At the show that Queen Ifrica made mention about all the people who are straight, why should that bother them? If you are not straight keep quiet, if you are straight you shout.
Gays are everywhere, when people don't see them they make themselves visible. So what if she had said big up all the dreads in the place, should all the bald heads be upset and cause a big fuss?
Come on, you guys need to get with the programme.
Why do they assume that everybody hates them? They need to be fair. Keep quiet when they need to, and speak when they need to. Live and let others live.
Donna Moore
Kingston 13
All this gay fuss
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Listening to the upsurge re the gay community and Queen Ifrica, I wonder why the gays are so unfair to the wider society?
Every day all they can talk about is their rights. So what happen to the "straights" of the society, don't they have rights too? It seems that because the gays are among the rich and powerful they try to muzzle people.
At the show that Queen Ifrica made mention about all the people who are straight, why should that bother them? If you are not straight keep quiet, if you are straight you shout.
Gays are everywhere, when people don't see them they make themselves visible. So what if she had said big up all the dreads in the place, should all the bald heads be upset and cause a big fuss?
Come on, you guys need to get with the programme.
Why do they assume that everybody hates them? They need to be fair. Keep quiet when they need to, and speak when they need to. Live and let others live.
Donna Moore
Kingston 13
All this gay fuss
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This land is ours
Dear Editor,
There are those who seem to think that the United States might have retained some proprietary rights to the Goat Islands and the other Jamaican territories that were used as American bases during World War ll. This view, I suppose, ignores the fact that in December 1949, the US formally handed these interests back to the British Government, lowered the Stars and Stripes and bade us a fond farewell. The public ceremony took place at Vernamfield.
However, bearing in mind the words of the departing American Brigadier General Bean, the act would have included the Goat Islands installation. He said: "The deactivation of this base today, in my opinion, is a monument to world peace. It is my sincere hope that the base -- as a war base — will never be used again, or that the necessity will never arise for it to be used again. It goes with our best wishes to the British Government."
With that the national anthems were played and the troops departed for the airport where the Jamaica Military Band played what was described as "the final farewell to the Colours of America".
Some may recall the large front page picture in the Gleaner, showing Brigadier Bean taking the Stars and Stripes from the flagpole, while a soldier of the Jamaica Battalion hoisted the Union Jack. It was Governor Sir John Huggins who received the instruments indicating the legal changeover, and it seems to me that this right of ownership would extend to independent Jamaica by way of the present Constitution as it relates to laws existing prior to 1962.
The fate of Portland Bight, including the Goat Islands, is solely in the hands of the Jamaican people. Its tremendous natural value, as a vital support for our seafood industry, is now under threat, and the ultimate guarantee against its destruction by desperate men must be our exclusive responsibility; not the American government, not the British government and not the Jamaican government, and its own subordinate officials.
Ken Jones
kensjones2002@yahoo.com
This land is ours
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There are those who seem to think that the United States might have retained some proprietary rights to the Goat Islands and the other Jamaican territories that were used as American bases during World War ll. This view, I suppose, ignores the fact that in December 1949, the US formally handed these interests back to the British Government, lowered the Stars and Stripes and bade us a fond farewell. The public ceremony took place at Vernamfield.
However, bearing in mind the words of the departing American Brigadier General Bean, the act would have included the Goat Islands installation. He said: "The deactivation of this base today, in my opinion, is a monument to world peace. It is my sincere hope that the base -- as a war base — will never be used again, or that the necessity will never arise for it to be used again. It goes with our best wishes to the British Government."
With that the national anthems were played and the troops departed for the airport where the Jamaica Military Band played what was described as "the final farewell to the Colours of America".
Some may recall the large front page picture in the Gleaner, showing Brigadier Bean taking the Stars and Stripes from the flagpole, while a soldier of the Jamaica Battalion hoisted the Union Jack. It was Governor Sir John Huggins who received the instruments indicating the legal changeover, and it seems to me that this right of ownership would extend to independent Jamaica by way of the present Constitution as it relates to laws existing prior to 1962.
The fate of Portland Bight, including the Goat Islands, is solely in the hands of the Jamaican people. Its tremendous natural value, as a vital support for our seafood industry, is now under threat, and the ultimate guarantee against its destruction by desperate men must be our exclusive responsibility; not the American government, not the British government and not the Jamaican government, and its own subordinate officials.
Ken Jones
kensjones2002@yahoo.com
This land is ours
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Clamp down on skin bleaching
Dear Editor,
The grace and splendour of natural beauty — the real God-given beauty — has been marred and damaged since the introduction of skin bleaching and the additional application of cosmetics.
When you change your skin colour, from black to brown, or fair complexion, you may be insulting your black brothers and sisters by doing so. Think about it. Worse, it's like you are saying to your Creator, "Why did you make me black? I don't like the colour of the skin you gave me."
Christians, genuine ones, should not bleach their skin either.
Not everybody is bleaching their skin, but those who are practising this habit are doing great damage to their skin and health.
Where did skin bleaching originate? Who came up with the idea that it is alright for people to change their skin colour?
Whatever the reasons for bleaching your skin, it cannot be right for anyone to do such a silly thing.
Skin bleaching is becoming too common in Jamaica. Can we tell what percentage of our population are bleaching their skin? It would be interesting for us to know.
Many have seriously committed themselves to go the extra mile in bleaching their skin. They religiously go about getting all the necessary ingredients, taking pills, etc, so that they can get maximum satisfaction, and to look "real good". It is so bad that skin bleaching seems to be becoming big business; even a market of its own .
God gave us our skin colour, but sadly, there are those who believe that white, fair, or brown complexions are superior to black. And many are feeling uncomfortable being black. What a troublesome and unkind world we are living in.
I am calling on all those who are discriminating against people because of their black skin colour to stop doing so.
Just like how smoking has been banned from public places or spaces, likewise, we should also clamp down on skin bleaching. Don't destroy your physical appearance with skin bleaching. Black is beautiful.
Donald J Mckoy
donaldmckoy2010@hotmail.com
Clamp down on skin bleaching
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The grace and splendour of natural beauty — the real God-given beauty — has been marred and damaged since the introduction of skin bleaching and the additional application of cosmetics.
When you change your skin colour, from black to brown, or fair complexion, you may be insulting your black brothers and sisters by doing so. Think about it. Worse, it's like you are saying to your Creator, "Why did you make me black? I don't like the colour of the skin you gave me."
Christians, genuine ones, should not bleach their skin either.
Not everybody is bleaching their skin, but those who are practising this habit are doing great damage to their skin and health.
Where did skin bleaching originate? Who came up with the idea that it is alright for people to change their skin colour?
Whatever the reasons for bleaching your skin, it cannot be right for anyone to do such a silly thing.
Skin bleaching is becoming too common in Jamaica. Can we tell what percentage of our population are bleaching their skin? It would be interesting for us to know.
Many have seriously committed themselves to go the extra mile in bleaching their skin. They religiously go about getting all the necessary ingredients, taking pills, etc, so that they can get maximum satisfaction, and to look "real good". It is so bad that skin bleaching seems to be becoming big business; even a market of its own .
God gave us our skin colour, but sadly, there are those who believe that white, fair, or brown complexions are superior to black. And many are feeling uncomfortable being black. What a troublesome and unkind world we are living in.
I am calling on all those who are discriminating against people because of their black skin colour to stop doing so.
Just like how smoking has been banned from public places or spaces, likewise, we should also clamp down on skin bleaching. Don't destroy your physical appearance with skin bleaching. Black is beautiful.
Donald J Mckoy
donaldmckoy2010@hotmail.com
Clamp down on skin bleaching
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Vice vs Virtue
Dear Editor,
In the Jamaica Observer of Tuesday 27th August, 2013, Roger Goodwill, in a letter to the editor, asks the question, "Ja, where did we really go wrong?" It is a deep and vital question because, as a nation, we have certainly gone wrong.
The regrettable truth, however, is that we seem to be trying to evade the obvious answer. It is this: Jamaica has turned to vice instead of virtue.
In his poem, Paradise Lost, Milton has Satan saying, "Evil, be thou my good". This reflects the last state of moral degradation — the inability to recognise the difference between good and evil.
When God created human beings, He gave them a distinct difference from other animals. Man alone was created "in the image and likeness of God". In other words, man was given a moral sense. He could distinguish between good and bad. A dog cannot. Man therefore had the ability to choose between competing ways of conduct. Man could choose virtue as against vice.
Jamaica, as a young independent country, had to choose the kind of foundations on which to build the new nation. What has been chosen? Gambling, gangs and garrisons, godlessness, and it is now being recommended, ganja. Jamaica has opted for vice. That is where we have gone wrong. It is in our moral choice.
Why has this happened? What is the justification offered? Like the young man just leaving home and going out into independent living, the first aim would automatically seem to be to get money. At present, anything is justified in the nation's life if it claims to bring in money. The young man was wrong. His first aim should have been character and conduct, not money. If he displayed sound character and good conduct, money would follow.
Jamaica has not learnt the lesson that it is righteousness which exalts a nation, not sin. Vice has triumphed over virtue. The sad fact is that many of those who are advocates of vice are outstanding citizens. It was Shakespeare who said, in King Lear: "The prince of darkness is a gentleman." The bitter truth is that there will be consequences, dire consequences.
Rev Earl Thames
Spalding PO
Vice vs Virtue
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In the Jamaica Observer of Tuesday 27th August, 2013, Roger Goodwill, in a letter to the editor, asks the question, "Ja, where did we really go wrong?" It is a deep and vital question because, as a nation, we have certainly gone wrong.
The regrettable truth, however, is that we seem to be trying to evade the obvious answer. It is this: Jamaica has turned to vice instead of virtue.
In his poem, Paradise Lost, Milton has Satan saying, "Evil, be thou my good". This reflects the last state of moral degradation — the inability to recognise the difference between good and evil.
When God created human beings, He gave them a distinct difference from other animals. Man alone was created "in the image and likeness of God". In other words, man was given a moral sense. He could distinguish between good and bad. A dog cannot. Man therefore had the ability to choose between competing ways of conduct. Man could choose virtue as against vice.
Jamaica, as a young independent country, had to choose the kind of foundations on which to build the new nation. What has been chosen? Gambling, gangs and garrisons, godlessness, and it is now being recommended, ganja. Jamaica has opted for vice. That is where we have gone wrong. It is in our moral choice.
Why has this happened? What is the justification offered? Like the young man just leaving home and going out into independent living, the first aim would automatically seem to be to get money. At present, anything is justified in the nation's life if it claims to bring in money. The young man was wrong. His first aim should have been character and conduct, not money. If he displayed sound character and good conduct, money would follow.
Jamaica has not learnt the lesson that it is righteousness which exalts a nation, not sin. Vice has triumphed over virtue. The sad fact is that many of those who are advocates of vice are outstanding citizens. It was Shakespeare who said, in King Lear: "The prince of darkness is a gentleman." The bitter truth is that there will be consequences, dire consequences.
Rev Earl Thames
Spalding PO
Vice vs Virtue
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Whither the CAF rollback?
Dear Editor,
As any business person will tell you, time is money. Policy or project implementations must be done on a timely basis to maximise gains. We all expect teething pains with a new policy, but we must do everything to rectify the problems as soon as possible.
The new Customs Administration Fee (CAF) has been riddled with problems since the implementation. Some of the problems have been resolved, but there are still some outstanding issues.
I was elated when the finance minister announced in his Budget presentation that the CAF would be partially rolled back for the importers of raw material, packaging materials and spare parts in the manufacturing sector. This should have been effective June 1, 2013. However, upon implementation there was some error in the official document and the concession was only applicable to the importation of raw materials and not packaging materials and spare parts. The document was subsequently sent back to the Ministry of Finance to be amended. To date the situation remains the same, and the manufacturers are still burdened with these excessive costs.
I get the impression that the Government is not in a rush to have this matter rectified as the longer it takes, the more revenue they will continue to collect as the concession will not be retroactive. The matter needs to be fast-tracked, as manufacturers are having it very difficult at this time. I am calling on the powers that be to expedite the process so we all can put this matter behind us and concentrate on building a better Jamaica.
Andrew Gray
Savanna-la-Mar
Westmoreland
Whither the CAF rollback?
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As any business person will tell you, time is money. Policy or project implementations must be done on a timely basis to maximise gains. We all expect teething pains with a new policy, but we must do everything to rectify the problems as soon as possible.
The new Customs Administration Fee (CAF) has been riddled with problems since the implementation. Some of the problems have been resolved, but there are still some outstanding issues.
I was elated when the finance minister announced in his Budget presentation that the CAF would be partially rolled back for the importers of raw material, packaging materials and spare parts in the manufacturing sector. This should have been effective June 1, 2013. However, upon implementation there was some error in the official document and the concession was only applicable to the importation of raw materials and not packaging materials and spare parts. The document was subsequently sent back to the Ministry of Finance to be amended. To date the situation remains the same, and the manufacturers are still burdened with these excessive costs.
I get the impression that the Government is not in a rush to have this matter rectified as the longer it takes, the more revenue they will continue to collect as the concession will not be retroactive. The matter needs to be fast-tracked, as manufacturers are having it very difficult at this time. I am calling on the powers that be to expedite the process so we all can put this matter behind us and concentrate on building a better Jamaica.
Andrew Gray
Savanna-la-Mar
Westmoreland
Whither the CAF rollback?
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Attack on Syria imminent
Dear Editor,
Recent increase in sabre-rattling by the warmongers of this world points to an imminemt attack on Syria.
Again, more lives, through direct attack and collateral damage, will be lost.
The world condems vigorous atrocities being carried out by warring factions in Syria, equally any attack on a sovereign state is certainly not the way to go.
Let us use the UN system set up to regulate international relations to resolve this crisis without wanton bloodshed.
G Widenbloch
Kingston
Attack on Syria imminent
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Recent increase in sabre-rattling by the warmongers of this world points to an imminemt attack on Syria.
Again, more lives, through direct attack and collateral damage, will be lost.
The world condems vigorous atrocities being carried out by warring factions in Syria, equally any attack on a sovereign state is certainly not the way to go.
Let us use the UN system set up to regulate international relations to resolve this crisis without wanton bloodshed.
G Widenbloch
Kingston
Attack on Syria imminent
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No to legal prostitution
Dear Editor,
Last week, while watching BBC World News; I saw where, in Switzerland, prostitution is now a legitimate profession. For me, being a young Catholic Christian, that became a great concern, along with the effects it will have on Jamaica.
In less than three days our local newspapers carried the news that members of Jamaica western fraternity of prostitutes want to become legitimate. But what really are the pros and cons of prostitution?
In my research I have come to realise that the cons outweighed the pros, especially in Jamaica where crimes against our women and children are still taboo and kept undercover. I therefore plead to our Government not to legalise prostitution for any political or economic gains.
Some members of society will argue that prostitution is free choice and it is without victim, because persons involved are adults. However, the UN and National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (1992) indicated that 55 per cent of persons involved in prostitution around the world are under the age of 18, and those above the age 18 were victim of abuse before entering the lifestyle of prostitution. The report also states that, on many occasions, prostitutes are forced to engage in sadomasochistic acts. Therefore, this indicates to us that not many persons had the intention to enter this type of negative lifestyle, but instead need help from society to educate themselves and gain meaningful employment. It also indicates that our society has failed to protect the most vulnerable amongst us — our children.
Every day on our local stations we are plagued with several faces of missing young people, and within an island as small as Connecticut we simple find it difficult to locate them, despite our claim of technological advancement.
In a country, like ours, with high moral decay, and where society demands of us to be "free" or the excuse is "it is my right", we must stand firm in the face of sin and immorality and simple say no! No, we will not legalize same sex marriage. No, Jamaica will not legalise abortion. No Jamaica will not legalise prostitution.
Our young women and men who engage in prostitution need help, love, and compassion, along with opportunities for success and a better standard of living. Any Government who take disadvantage of our poor and abused people will have to give an account one day.
Roger Goodwill
roger_goodwill14@hotmail.com
No to legal prostitution
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Last week, while watching BBC World News; I saw where, in Switzerland, prostitution is now a legitimate profession. For me, being a young Catholic Christian, that became a great concern, along with the effects it will have on Jamaica.
In less than three days our local newspapers carried the news that members of Jamaica western fraternity of prostitutes want to become legitimate. But what really are the pros and cons of prostitution?
In my research I have come to realise that the cons outweighed the pros, especially in Jamaica where crimes against our women and children are still taboo and kept undercover. I therefore plead to our Government not to legalise prostitution for any political or economic gains.
Some members of society will argue that prostitution is free choice and it is without victim, because persons involved are adults. However, the UN and National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (1992) indicated that 55 per cent of persons involved in prostitution around the world are under the age of 18, and those above the age 18 were victim of abuse before entering the lifestyle of prostitution. The report also states that, on many occasions, prostitutes are forced to engage in sadomasochistic acts. Therefore, this indicates to us that not many persons had the intention to enter this type of negative lifestyle, but instead need help from society to educate themselves and gain meaningful employment. It also indicates that our society has failed to protect the most vulnerable amongst us — our children.
Every day on our local stations we are plagued with several faces of missing young people, and within an island as small as Connecticut we simple find it difficult to locate them, despite our claim of technological advancement.
In a country, like ours, with high moral decay, and where society demands of us to be "free" or the excuse is "it is my right", we must stand firm in the face of sin and immorality and simple say no! No, we will not legalize same sex marriage. No, Jamaica will not legalise abortion. No Jamaica will not legalise prostitution.
Our young women and men who engage in prostitution need help, love, and compassion, along with opportunities for success and a better standard of living. Any Government who take disadvantage of our poor and abused people will have to give an account one day.
Roger Goodwill
roger_goodwill14@hotmail.com
No to legal prostitution
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Show me the $$$
Dear Editor,
In the current debate about whether to go for jobs over the environment in allowing China Harbour Engineering Company to develop Goat Islands into a trans-shipment port, nobody has said a word about the scope of the project and its specific intended economic benefits to Jamaica. What kinds of jobs will be on offer? How many Jamaicans will get work?
In considering the matter of economic gain, shall we recall that China Harbour, the same Chinese company angling to set up the port in a protected environmental zone, is yet to pay the Government of Jamaica US$120 million for the incomplete Mount Rosser Bypass road that they have taken over since they broke ground in December last year. At that time it was said that the Chinese company would be spending US$610 million in new construction and buying the incomplete road for the US$120 already spent on it by the Government. As far as the public knows, not one red cent of this money has been paid to the Government by the Chinese.
Ask the unions, has China Harbour paid the Jamaican workers on the Palisadoes construction, Westmoreland Bridge, the Rio Grande Bridge, their end-of-project gratuity that is part of the labour regime for projects of that kind?
Ask the truckers who had to mount days of protest to get paid for hauling rocks to Palisadoes, can the company be relied on to pay?
Ask the contractor who had to barge into their Kingston office with CVM -TV in tow, earlier this year, to raise hell to get paid for work done?
I say show me the economic gain. Show me the money.
Sean Masters
seanmasters87@gmail.com
Show me the $$$
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In the current debate about whether to go for jobs over the environment in allowing China Harbour Engineering Company to develop Goat Islands into a trans-shipment port, nobody has said a word about the scope of the project and its specific intended economic benefits to Jamaica. What kinds of jobs will be on offer? How many Jamaicans will get work?
In considering the matter of economic gain, shall we recall that China Harbour, the same Chinese company angling to set up the port in a protected environmental zone, is yet to pay the Government of Jamaica US$120 million for the incomplete Mount Rosser Bypass road that they have taken over since they broke ground in December last year. At that time it was said that the Chinese company would be spending US$610 million in new construction and buying the incomplete road for the US$120 already spent on it by the Government. As far as the public knows, not one red cent of this money has been paid to the Government by the Chinese.
Ask the unions, has China Harbour paid the Jamaican workers on the Palisadoes construction, Westmoreland Bridge, the Rio Grande Bridge, their end-of-project gratuity that is part of the labour regime for projects of that kind?
Ask the truckers who had to mount days of protest to get paid for hauling rocks to Palisadoes, can the company be relied on to pay?
Ask the contractor who had to barge into their Kingston office with CVM -TV in tow, earlier this year, to raise hell to get paid for work done?
I say show me the economic gain. Show me the money.
Sean Masters
seanmasters87@gmail.com
Show me the $$$
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Advice to Holness
Dear Editor,
While there is no doubt that Andrew Holness is a mild-mannered man of steel, recent utterings by some of those purportedly campaigning on his behalf have left a lot to be desired and have the potential to tarnish Holness's reputation as a cerebral leader, not given to frenzy, cass-cass and chacka-chacka talk.
As someone who has been impressed by his demeanour and leadership style, I have found it necessary to offer some public words of advice.
Mr Holness, your persona, other than being a handicap, is a feather in your cap, since the Jamaican electorate is weary of the tit-for-tat, one-upmanship politics that has dominated for the last 50 years. This style of leadership has done Jamaica little good. Jamaica needs action, not a bag of mouth. Our problems are well documented and enunciated; what Jamaica needs now is quality leadership to drive us forward.
Secondly, Mr Holness, give not yourself over to frenzy. In the heat of any political campaign the urge or temptation to illicit the support of political henchmen and foot soldiers is extremely powerful. However, I give you the same advice I gave to Golding on his return to the JLP: rid yourself of the excess political baggage, who may seem necessary in the heat of the campaign, but are hard if not impossible to control.
Needless to say, my advice was eschewed, and Golding fell victim to the same foot soldiers who helped him into office. Foot soldiers seldom make good policymakers, and Golding was forced to elevate foot soldiers to policymakers to the detriment of his Administration.
Andrew, don't get caught in this trap, these foot soldiers and henchmen will remove your aura of decency. Be the master of your destiny.
Thirdly, Mr Holness, always remember 'he who slings mud, loses ground', therefore maintain the high ground at all times. Never descend into the politics of personal attacks, run a campaign on the issues at hand, always maintain your cool, give your opponent credit where credit is due, and the spirit of the ancestors will see you through.
Arlene Patterson
zoroaster1828@gmail.com
Advice to Holness
-->
While there is no doubt that Andrew Holness is a mild-mannered man of steel, recent utterings by some of those purportedly campaigning on his behalf have left a lot to be desired and have the potential to tarnish Holness's reputation as a cerebral leader, not given to frenzy, cass-cass and chacka-chacka talk.
As someone who has been impressed by his demeanour and leadership style, I have found it necessary to offer some public words of advice.
Mr Holness, your persona, other than being a handicap, is a feather in your cap, since the Jamaican electorate is weary of the tit-for-tat, one-upmanship politics that has dominated for the last 50 years. This style of leadership has done Jamaica little good. Jamaica needs action, not a bag of mouth. Our problems are well documented and enunciated; what Jamaica needs now is quality leadership to drive us forward.
Secondly, Mr Holness, give not yourself over to frenzy. In the heat of any political campaign the urge or temptation to illicit the support of political henchmen and foot soldiers is extremely powerful. However, I give you the same advice I gave to Golding on his return to the JLP: rid yourself of the excess political baggage, who may seem necessary in the heat of the campaign, but are hard if not impossible to control.
Needless to say, my advice was eschewed, and Golding fell victim to the same foot soldiers who helped him into office. Foot soldiers seldom make good policymakers, and Golding was forced to elevate foot soldiers to policymakers to the detriment of his Administration.
Andrew, don't get caught in this trap, these foot soldiers and henchmen will remove your aura of decency. Be the master of your destiny.
Thirdly, Mr Holness, always remember 'he who slings mud, loses ground', therefore maintain the high ground at all times. Never descend into the politics of personal attacks, run a campaign on the issues at hand, always maintain your cool, give your opponent credit where credit is due, and the spirit of the ancestors will see you through.
Arlene Patterson
zoroaster1828@gmail.com
Advice to Holness
-->
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Chain the palace guards; let the people vote
Dear Editor,
A leadership race is clearly on, and the incumbent repeatedly states that he is up for and unafraid of the challenge. What is clear is that his palace guards are either afraid of the challenge or feel they should not have to be put through the bother of facing their delegates.
Some clearly feel that they can think for the delegates and, as one MP says, he instructs his delegates and they follow his instructions. Sort of makes you wonder why, if that is so, there is so much emotion on his part. But then again, he is always so, isn't he?
Both political parties suffer from a lack of renewal, hence the paltry offerings to the Jamaican electorate. The same tired souls regurgitated until old age forces what should have happened long before. Thank God for old age.
The PNP and the JLP are of utmost importance to us, as they are the only credible pathways to power. Therefore this election is important. It does not really matter who wins this contest, but if the election is permitted to take place free and fair, then Jamaica wins.
It would signal a shift from the situation where a leader had to die or be at the end of his career to set a challenge in motion. Yes, the JLP has been here before, but this time it is somewhat different. Also, it needs to be repeated so it becomes acceptable and common. Hopefully in both parties.
Leadership demands that the palace guards be kept on their chains. Allow the delegates to have their day at the polls. Have faith in the collective wisdom of the people. The rest of us have had to and we have come to know that, though not perfect, it's better than the alternative.
Eliot Penn
Kingston 5
Chain the palace guards; let the people vote
-->
A leadership race is clearly on, and the incumbent repeatedly states that he is up for and unafraid of the challenge. What is clear is that his palace guards are either afraid of the challenge or feel they should not have to be put through the bother of facing their delegates.
Some clearly feel that they can think for the delegates and, as one MP says, he instructs his delegates and they follow his instructions. Sort of makes you wonder why, if that is so, there is so much emotion on his part. But then again, he is always so, isn't he?
Both political parties suffer from a lack of renewal, hence the paltry offerings to the Jamaican electorate. The same tired souls regurgitated until old age forces what should have happened long before. Thank God for old age.
The PNP and the JLP are of utmost importance to us, as they are the only credible pathways to power. Therefore this election is important. It does not really matter who wins this contest, but if the election is permitted to take place free and fair, then Jamaica wins.
It would signal a shift from the situation where a leader had to die or be at the end of his career to set a challenge in motion. Yes, the JLP has been here before, but this time it is somewhat different. Also, it needs to be repeated so it becomes acceptable and common. Hopefully in both parties.
Leadership demands that the palace guards be kept on their chains. Allow the delegates to have their day at the polls. Have faith in the collective wisdom of the people. The rest of us have had to and we have come to know that, though not perfect, it's better than the alternative.
Eliot Penn
Kingston 5
Chain the palace guards; let the people vote
-->
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...the Obama contradiction
Dear Editor,
As I write, President Obama, the first Afro-Caucasian president of the USA, is preparing to bomb Syria, claiming that its Government is using chemical weapons against citizens.
It is very contradictory that Barack would feel justified in bombing yet another foreign country to "protect" their citizens, in complete defiance of the United Nations, while he is holding in jail four of five innocent Cubans who tried to prevent crimes against Cuban citizens. The men, known as The Cuban Five, exposed to the US State Department the plots by counter-revolutionary.
Cubans in Miami to carry out acts of aggression and sabotage against Cuba. Instead of giving them a badge of honour for fighting terrorism, the USA imprisoned them. The terrorist Posada Carriles, who is said to have bombed a Cuban plane in 1976 killing 78 citizens of Guyana, North Korea and Cuba, and is wanted for murder in Venezuela, is walking around freely in Miami, and Obama is doing nothing about that.
I must add that this whole matter of chemical weapons in Syria looks very shady, because the United States is well known for its ability to use chemical weapons against other countries.
Obama promised "change" but the only change that seems to have taken place is that he is morphing into another George Bush.
Bobby Johnson
bobbyjohnson6@gmail.com
...the Obama contradiction
-->
As I write, President Obama, the first Afro-Caucasian president of the USA, is preparing to bomb Syria, claiming that its Government is using chemical weapons against citizens.
It is very contradictory that Barack would feel justified in bombing yet another foreign country to "protect" their citizens, in complete defiance of the United Nations, while he is holding in jail four of five innocent Cubans who tried to prevent crimes against Cuban citizens. The men, known as The Cuban Five, exposed to the US State Department the plots by counter-revolutionary.
Cubans in Miami to carry out acts of aggression and sabotage against Cuba. Instead of giving them a badge of honour for fighting terrorism, the USA imprisoned them. The terrorist Posada Carriles, who is said to have bombed a Cuban plane in 1976 killing 78 citizens of Guyana, North Korea and Cuba, and is wanted for murder in Venezuela, is walking around freely in Miami, and Obama is doing nothing about that.
I must add that this whole matter of chemical weapons in Syria looks very shady, because the United States is well known for its ability to use chemical weapons against other countries.
Obama promised "change" but the only change that seems to have taken place is that he is morphing into another George Bush.
Bobby Johnson
bobbyjohnson6@gmail.com
...the Obama contradiction
-->
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↧
Infighting is not the way
Dear Editor,
Since Audley Shaw made it public that he had aspirations to challenge for JLP leadership, those who have come out batting for Andrew Holness do not seem to champion a united cause. This time, Tom Tavares-Finson has reportedly said that any JLP Senator who does not want Holness as leader should step aside.
Such utterances make you wonder whether these people know Mr Holness's platform. There is no way a so-called transformational leader like Mr Holness could support such madness. Every leader who bats for transformation, like Barack Obama, knows that you keep your enemies close. Just look at some of his close appointments.
Come on, Mr Tavares-Finson, there is no way you could support Andrew Holness and his policies and not understand that the days of polarised politics are behind us. Unless you are actually putting forward those beliefs that Mr Holness is afraid to utter himself. Maybe you are telling us that Mr Holness is saying anyone who does not support him must step aside.
One thing is clear, the messages coming out of Mr Holness's camp are not in unison, and reflect a kind of thuggery that we should firmly reject.
Beth Baker
Kingston 10
Infighting is not the way
-->
Since Audley Shaw made it public that he had aspirations to challenge for JLP leadership, those who have come out batting for Andrew Holness do not seem to champion a united cause. This time, Tom Tavares-Finson has reportedly said that any JLP Senator who does not want Holness as leader should step aside.
Such utterances make you wonder whether these people know Mr Holness's platform. There is no way a so-called transformational leader like Mr Holness could support such madness. Every leader who bats for transformation, like Barack Obama, knows that you keep your enemies close. Just look at some of his close appointments.
Come on, Mr Tavares-Finson, there is no way you could support Andrew Holness and his policies and not understand that the days of polarised politics are behind us. Unless you are actually putting forward those beliefs that Mr Holness is afraid to utter himself. Maybe you are telling us that Mr Holness is saying anyone who does not support him must step aside.
One thing is clear, the messages coming out of Mr Holness's camp are not in unison, and reflect a kind of thuggery that we should firmly reject.
Beth Baker
Kingston 10
Infighting is not the way
-->
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We are many, but not one people
Dear Editor,
The greatest lie ever foisted on the people of Jamaica is our national motto: "Out Of Many, One People".
Far from being a society promoting opportunity for all and a unity of purpose, we are a society plagued by division and an "every man for himself mentality".
Our tribal politics is the most glaring of our many divisions. We are led by two squabbling political tribes, clothed in green and orange, fighting over scarce spoils with guns blazing in their squalid garrisons. We don't pay allegiance to the black, green and gold, but to JLP and PNP.
As poverty stalks our land, our wealth is now concentrated in fewer hands. A United Nations Human Development Report of 1996 indicated that the wealthiest 20 per cent of Jamaicans controlled 43.9 per cent of the wealth. The poorest 60 per cent controlled a mere 34.3 per cent.
Opportunities for the poor and middle class are shrinking yearly. If there are fences between rich and poor, there are walls dividing educational quality. The wealthy have easy access into the so-called traditional high schools and tertiary institutions locally and internationally. The majority of children often attend overcrowded schools of lesser quality with teachers working under tremendous stress. Very few of these poor children get an opportunity for higher education . A recent report indicates that some 40,000 graduates will not be able to find suitable employment and upward mobility.
Although we are supposedly a colour-blind society, too many of our children believe that their black skin is a disadvantage in our society. How else can we explain why so many are now bleaching themselves, believing that a lighter colour will give them an opportunity to obtain a good job or help them climb the social ladder? Our motto declaring us a unified nation is a farce.
R Oscar Lofters
lofters1@aol.com
We are many, but not one people
-->
The greatest lie ever foisted on the people of Jamaica is our national motto: "Out Of Many, One People".
Far from being a society promoting opportunity for all and a unity of purpose, we are a society plagued by division and an "every man for himself mentality".
Our tribal politics is the most glaring of our many divisions. We are led by two squabbling political tribes, clothed in green and orange, fighting over scarce spoils with guns blazing in their squalid garrisons. We don't pay allegiance to the black, green and gold, but to JLP and PNP.
As poverty stalks our land, our wealth is now concentrated in fewer hands. A United Nations Human Development Report of 1996 indicated that the wealthiest 20 per cent of Jamaicans controlled 43.9 per cent of the wealth. The poorest 60 per cent controlled a mere 34.3 per cent.
Opportunities for the poor and middle class are shrinking yearly. If there are fences between rich and poor, there are walls dividing educational quality. The wealthy have easy access into the so-called traditional high schools and tertiary institutions locally and internationally. The majority of children often attend overcrowded schools of lesser quality with teachers working under tremendous stress. Very few of these poor children get an opportunity for higher education . A recent report indicates that some 40,000 graduates will not be able to find suitable employment and upward mobility.
Although we are supposedly a colour-blind society, too many of our children believe that their black skin is a disadvantage in our society. How else can we explain why so many are now bleaching themselves, believing that a lighter colour will give them an opportunity to obtain a good job or help them climb the social ladder? Our motto declaring us a unified nation is a farce.
R Oscar Lofters
lofters1@aol.com
We are many, but not one people
-->
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Call to Obama for peace
Dear Editor,
The Jamaica Peace Council calls on Barack Obama, president of the United States of America, to live up to his Nobel Peace Prize and his anti-war pronouncements prior to taking office by cancelling all plans to invade Syria.
The US has no moral grounds for invading that country and has shown a track record of bloody wars initiated under false pretences for the sole purpose of dominating other nations and controlling their natural resources. The strategy is transparent. It is no longer a secret.
These wars take a toll on citizens of both the US and the countries it attacks, leaving behind a trail of shattered family lives, social dislocation, mental disorder, hundreds of thousands of maimed and dead bodies, and destroyed cities, towns, villages, and national treasures.
People all over the world are crying out: "Enough! No more! We want to live in peace. We do not need a big brother watching over us."
The Jamaica Peace Council urges the Jamaican Government and other Caribbean governments to join the rest of the world in speaking out against the planned attack on Syria. Yesterday it was Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya. Today it is Syria. Which country will be next?
Jamaica Peace Council
jamaicapeacecouncil@gmail.com
Call to Obama for peace
-->
The Jamaica Peace Council calls on Barack Obama, president of the United States of America, to live up to his Nobel Peace Prize and his anti-war pronouncements prior to taking office by cancelling all plans to invade Syria.
The US has no moral grounds for invading that country and has shown a track record of bloody wars initiated under false pretences for the sole purpose of dominating other nations and controlling their natural resources. The strategy is transparent. It is no longer a secret.
These wars take a toll on citizens of both the US and the countries it attacks, leaving behind a trail of shattered family lives, social dislocation, mental disorder, hundreds of thousands of maimed and dead bodies, and destroyed cities, towns, villages, and national treasures.
People all over the world are crying out: "Enough! No more! We want to live in peace. We do not need a big brother watching over us."
The Jamaica Peace Council urges the Jamaican Government and other Caribbean governments to join the rest of the world in speaking out against the planned attack on Syria. Yesterday it was Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya. Today it is Syria. Which country will be next?
Jamaica Peace Council
jamaicapeacecouncil@gmail.com
Call to Obama for peace
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