Jamaica Observer

Dear Editor,

I was shell-shocked when I saw the picture of Agriculture Minister Roger Clarke daggering one of his Comrades at a party meeting at Port Antonio High School. This behaviour is unbecoming of a minister and it will be difficult to look at him again in Parliament and take him serious.

Seeing this picture of the minister straddling this lady, on tiptoes, as if he is a hog in heat is disturbing. It appears that he and this lady, who is on the receiving end of the thrusting from Minister Dagger, only required a bed to complete their courtship.

Maybe Minister Dagger is demonstrating how to launch a passa passa chapter in Portland, and he is just showing country folks the step-by-step instructions.

That said, if I were at the venue, I would have doused them with some cold water to cool both of them down, so that Minister Dagger can unlock his daggering grip from that woman.

Over to you, Minister Dagger, as you may have a career in daggering choreography.

Patrick Callum

Humble Citizen

Minister of Daggering Roger Clarke

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Dear Editor,

That any list would rank Lisa Hanna as the fourth worst politician in the world is utter nonsense. She is not a world leader, just a single minister in a government that has oversight for the running of the country.

The world in general does not even know who Lisa Hanna is as a politician. This is just one of the ways that social media spreads propaganda. Human rights violations worse than having children in general prisons are taking place in the world today, even in countries that call themselves democratic. Children are being killed, sold into slavery, and falsely imprisoned daily all over the world.

We don't need to spread such nonsense, we have more sense than to believe this foolishness. If blame is to be put on anyone, let us blame all the other ministers of youth, as well, who have gone before and who did nothing to prevent this problem. They all had longer terms to fix it. This is not to say we don't have a problem, only to say it could not be rated as the fourth most poorly handled matter in the world at this time.

These children were put into these prisons by the Justice Ministry for crimes the children committed. They were not put there by Lisa Hanna's ministry. How is it that only her ministry is being singled out by local media and the youth-supporting groups as the only or primary one to be blamed? This has been happening for years under several different leaders. Now that it is obvious, from reports, that something is being done by a group of organisations/bodies responsible for such matters, instead of offering help there is this concentrated effort to belittle Lisa Hanna and her ministry.

Something seems fishy here, or as we say in Jamaica, "bad mind and grudgeful".

Winsome Mowatt

winsome.mowatt@gmail.com

Utter nonsense

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Dear Editor,

Dear JLP, calm down. Take a breath. I don't think I'm the only one not making much of a fuss about this possible leadership challenge in your party. Yes, I get that it is the first time in so many years that the delegates may get to vote for a leader, so I do understand why this would be a big deal. But, it kinda isn't. It really isn't that serious.

Am I missing something here? It has been touted by some that the JLP has a tradition of choosing a leader by "consensus". Although this may very well be, there is a system in place that facilitates a challenge to the current leadership. Perhaps it's because such systems have not been engaged for so many years why the very idea of one is so daunting.

Is democracy strange to you? The possibility of disunity and "gutter politics" may become a reality by virtue of the attitude and conduct of members who opt to not let the process simply take its course. If the party has a set of values, policies and principles around which members can unite, selecting a leader really should not create such an irreparable rift. Unless, of course, your politics is only about personalities and not about policies.

A challenge does not necessarily equate to disloyalty and disunity. It's simply an opportunity for delegates to see and hear other perspectives and vote on whichever they think is best. That's all, really. The sky isn't falling. Yes, it may look ugly at first, but that's only because opposing views will clash. It's not the end of the world.

Understand that the process of change and/or growth isn't pretty. And interfering with the process will make the thing dysfunctional. That said... For heaven's sake, please learn how to behave; you are still The Queen's loyal Opposition.

Durie Dee

mizd2u@yahoo.com

Dear JLP

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Dear Editor,

A nation that doesn't care for its children is unconcerned about its own future. With the reopening of schools we are again faced with our children having to traverse dangerous roadways in their quest to gain an education and secure our nation's future. It also forces one to simultaneously consider the sincerity of some who are quick to portray themselves as champions and protectors of the citizens' rights. The prospects of a tragedy involving schoolchildren in the community of Cassava Piece looms dangerously on the horizon unless adequate steps are taken to minimise the obvious risks.

From as far back as September of 2005 I wrote to then Mayor Desmond McKenzie, and during the past year to SSP Radcliffe Lewis, regarding the dangers and difficulties to which we expose our children. Parts of the letter read as follows:

"Clifton Blvd is a road connecting Mannings Hill Road to Constant Spring Road, through Cassava Piece. Along this thoroughfare are a number of schools -- Constant Spring Junior High and also a basic school (Lalyce Grey). On any weekday, large numbers of children traverse this road. It is also a preferred route for vehicular traffic and a significant volume of vehicles of varying sizes use this narrow thoroughfare, which is devoid of sidewalks in many places. It is indeed a horrifying experience to see kids pasted against the fences, while large vehicles try to negotiate this narrow pathway.

We went on to recommend that this road be made one-way heading east and Constant Spring Grove remain two ways providing for the opposite flow. Or the one-way changed in the opposite direction in the evenings. It was also recommended that as an immediate action, large trucks and buses be prohibited from using that road. It took years before the last recommendation was implemented, yet this past Wednesday morning at 7:55 a large JUTC bus was seen making its way through this area. Even more troubling is that it must drive past the Constant Spring Police Station. It would be interesting to know if it was seen and if any action was taken.

Compounding the situation is that, currently, two large potholes have appeared, forcing additional manoeuvring.

Ralston Nunes

ralstonnunes@gmail.com

Who will protect the children?

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At the end of the month, Friday, August 30, at 12:30 pm, people of every description filtered through the doors of Bank of Jamaica to see The Company dance theatre perform live.

With the lunch-break performance, all work, business and all the stress were left behind, if but for a moment.

The dancers were totally engaging in their acts. They moved our emotions with the violin classic music and pulled our heartstrings with the dances. Some people even eased out of their seats at times to be totally engaged, missing nothing, as the story was told with flexible limbs, while smiles lined our faces with ongoing applauses.

The dances were fresh, funky, potent, sexual and utterly refreshing.

Bank of Jamaica, we owe you a debt of gratitude for reminding us every end of the month that, even though business must be conducted on a daily basis, we can stop and breathe a sigh of relief and still remain whole.

A Moses

mokitchens@yahoo.com

Utterly refreshing, BoJ

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Dear Editor,

I wish to extend heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Mr Marlon Johnson of the Norman Manley International Airport.

I was en route to Grand Cayman Islands on 1st September 2013, but was unable to board the flight due to some missing documents for my two sons. The uncanny coincidence of our meeting is that I had noticed Mr Johnson working really hard cleaning the tables and floors while at the airport, and I felt it necessary to tell him that I was impressed with his work attitude. We chatted for a few minutes about his plans for the future and I lauded him and told him that if his aspiration for a bright future was embellished with the positive attitude he maintained then he would indeed achieve great things.

That was the end of our chance encounter, or so I thought, until it was time to check-in with the airline when I discovered my documents for my children (ages 3 and 7 years) were not in order and I could not board the flight.

Added to that dillemma, my mobile phone was not working and I did not have any means of contacting my husband who had the necessary documents for me to board the flight.

I was so distraught and afraid of being stranded with my children and then I spotted Mr Johnson and took a chance and approached him and told him about my plight. He did not hesitate for a moment to extend to me the use of his mobile phone and to express his concern. He then stayed vigilant for us that entire time until I was able to secure some accomodation for my family.

I am indeed indebted to him and I remain overwhelmed by his hospitality and gentle demeanour. Far too often good deeds are not given the attention they deserve. I could not afford to stay quiet with this feel-good experience. I honestly thought good Samaritans did not exist anymore until I met that wonderful young man. Thank you with all my love and blessings, Mr Marlon Johnson. I will never forget your kindness.

Deborah C Beckles

Grand Cayman

Good Samaritans still exist

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Dear Editor,

The great man Usain Bolt's efforts to stimulate and maintain stability and morality in the track and field arena, particularly in the sprints, have not impacted certain people across the globe.

The latest comment being heard on radio uttered by the former Olympic great Carl Lewis of the United States of America about Usain Bolt not helping athletics is quite absurd.

It is no secret that Mr Lewis is envious of Bolt's huge success in the sprints. One can remember his comment before the 2012 Olympics in London, where he made swipes at Mr Bolt's performance, and even went further to say that Justin Gatlin would win the 100-metre sprint gold.

Personally, I doubt Mr Lewis's claim to fame as being without blemish when compared to Mr Bolt. No wonder he is so abhorrent in his attitude towards the great man, who has been so people-friendly as he reaches out to the world.

Mr Lewis should refrain from his behaviour pattern and accept greatness in its true nature. He should apologise to Usain Bolt and stop being envious of his achievements

Patrick "Capo" Johnson

So unfortunate, Carl Lewis

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Dear Editor,

According to Oprah Winfrey, in order to succeed "you have to be 100 per cent of yourself". In other words, don't try to be someone else.

I have my doubts about the 100 per cent characterisation, in that we are all inclined to imbibe instinctively some of the character traits of other people. However, I fully understand her point of view. I take it to mean that we should not make a conscious effort to be someone else.

I have always been fascinated with Polonius's advice in the Shakespearian play Hamlet. He states: "(Above everything) to thine own self be true." Therefore, be yourself by creating your own identity. According to George Bernard Shaw, the great British playwright: "Life is about creating yourself."

There is nothing wrong in having a role model, that is, someone you can look up to and emulate, but you should not try to be an exact replica of that person.

It is extremely disconcerting to see how gullible young people are in their hero worship of out-of-control pop singers, movie stars, sports players, and others in public life. Many young people, without an identity of their own, tend to fully copy the lewd gyrations of entertainers, the vulgarity of movie stars and the disgusting debauchery of sport heroes. After a while, youngsters become so saturated with the outrageous behaviour of these so-called heroes that they tend to become exact replicas of them.

My advice to young people is this: Try to build your own identity and be steadfast in your convictions. Don't be swayed by every passing puff of wind. Remember that when you do not know who you really are your mind can become a fierce battleground of conflicting thoughts. On the contrary, if you establish a clear identity this process can lead to serenity of mind, happiness and success.

There is no doubt that pretentiousness has sinister connotations that can railroad your quest for peace of mind, happiness and ultimate success. The biblical self-righteous Pharisees were so pretentious that Jesus of Nazareth castigated them very severely.

Pretentiousness is as prevalent today as it was during the time Jesus was alive in the Holy Land. Millions of people throughout the world have become hostages to this sinister practice. From ordinary folks to those in high authority, pretentiousness seems to have become an integral component of this universal culture of double-dealing.

We are all aware of many people who go out of their way to display phony behaviour to impress others. The character, Hyacinth Bucket in the British sitcom Keeping Up Appearances is a good example.

Rupert Johnson

r.b.johnson@sympatico.ca

Be true to yourself

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Dear Editor,

The controversy over the planned logistics hub for Goat Islands has been raging for several weeks now. It is said that part of the plan is the levelling of Goat Islands, which is actually the fusing of what used to be Great Goat Island and Little Goat Island. There have been many useful comments on the pros and cons of the construction of the planned hub. This contribution is by a marine scientist who is one of perhaps a handful of persons who have actually worked in the mud and mangroves of this area, collecting information on the fishable resources of the bay for the Caribbean Coastal Area Management Foundation.

The controversy over the planned logistics hub for Goat Islands has been raging for several weeks now. It is said that part of the plan is the levelling of Goat Islands, which is actually the fusing of what used to be Great Goat Island and Little Goat Island. There have been many useful comments on the pros and cons of the construction of the planned hub. This contribution is by a marine scientist who is one of perhaps a handful of persons who have actually worked in the mud and mangroves of this area, collecting information on the fishable resources of the bay for the Caribbean Coastal Area Management Foundation.

The Goat Islands presently form the western border of a protected area, which is one of the first 10 fish sanctuaries (now called Specially Protected Fisheries Areas) which were declared in 2010 by the Jamaican Government's Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries. The main reason that this area (a zone from Cabarita Point to Salt Island Creek called Galleon Harbour Fish Sanctuary) was chosen for protection was that, of all the various areas examined in the giant bay itself, it yielded the most diverse results in terms of types of fishes and other marine creatures. In other words, of all the parts of the larger bay it was the most important.

The dominant type of habitat there is a red mangrove and seagrass complex, which functions as a critical habitat for the young stages of many types of commercial fishes, as well as other species such as lobsters and conch. Critical marine habitats are those in which species, like those making up fishable resources, must inhabit for period of time in order to complete one or more stages of their biological life cycle. The Goat Islands and Galleon Harbour are two such areas identified as far back as 1998 and accepted as critical habitats in the long and careful process leading up to the declaration of this (and two other areas in the bay) as a fish sanctuary.

The area surrounding the Salt Island Creek mangrove complex is another critical area for one type of oyster. Studies done there by this writer show a strong nursery function and the presence of many commercial species among the 40 fish species counted. Studies showed that marine life in this area is probably dependent on nutrients brought into the eastern edge of Old Harbour Bay by the Salt Island Creek. To have this ecologically sensitive area interfered with in a major fashion would do serious and possibly irreparable harm to the living resources, both animal and plant. It is strongly recommended that it should remain undisturbed as much as possible.

If the planned hub is built in the fashion mentioned in the media, the negative fallout for the largest fisher population in our country, based at Old Harbour Bay fishing beach, where fully 33% of the island's fishable products are landed, is likely to be significant and long term. I urge the authorities to carefully weigh the costs and benefits, biological as well as economic and social, of their planned action and continue to protect this area. Build a suitable hub if we have to, but please do not build it there.

Dr Karl Aiken

Department of Life Sciences, UWI, Mona

Hub: To be or not to be?

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Dear Editor,

Jamaican taxpayers need to ask for an audit into the $55 million allegedly spent on surveillance cameras for Montego Bay.

I did my own research on CCTV and surveillance cameras, because it was my intention to donate some to the security minister. I even contacted him via twitter about the idea — to which he did not reply. I guess he didn't want any donations. A good CCTV/surveillance camera can range anywhere from US$299 up. Note, they come in sets of eight, so that's eight cameras and a CCTV for $299.

Given the reputation of our politicians in Jamaica, I think it's time for us to do our own research into the prices they put on items, because that's the only way we are going to get them to stop putting their sticky fingers in Jamaica's cookie jar.

I am however very happy to see that the minister is taking a step in the right direction, but please, Mr Minister, So let's do the math: US$299 x 19 = US$5,681 converted to JA$568,100 for 19 cameras. Even if the cameras are sold for five times this amount it would have cost under $3 million. At 10 times my source price it's still not $55 million.

May the light of the true and living God continue to shine on our leaders and restore conscience within them, so that they will do the honourable thing, and put Jamaica's interest first, once and for all.

bshantelee@yahoo.com

Montego Bay

Shine a light on

the $55-m cameras

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Dear Editor,

Some people want to think that environmentalists are only people eating fine food, drinking expensive wines and driving around in big petrol-sucking cars. It is not like that, and I am of the opinion that Mr Warmington must "go to school" to learn more about these people.

Reading the article "Go to hell", which the Observer carried on August 30, confirmed my belief that politicians are really playing politics with people's lives.

In my humble opinion, Goat Islands must be left alone. Any kind of development must be on mainland Jamaica. There is talk that the project will result in work for the Jamaican people, but we all know that Chinese contractors like to use their nationals to work on their projects.

When Mr Warmington "goes to school", we might want to introduce a little geography to help him temper his temper. Before we start to condemn people to hell, we need to stop and think what are the pros and cons of this so-called job-creating development the MP assumes will happen.

After the Falmouth Pier was finished, with much fanfare and possibility, the wall and road on the east of the pier between Falmouth and the district of Rock started crumbling and the Falmouth All Age School on the west side is on the verge of saying bye-bye. Will this be the case after this development?

Aren't there any places on mainland Jamaica along the sea where high cliff of hard rock meets the sea to build this port? The rock type of the coast is very important, and I am just wondering if the MP is thinking about that. If the coast is made from soft rock, it will be eroded far more quickly than if it is made of hard rock. Is there solid, hard rock on Goat Islands? Removing mangroves and coral reefs can alter the shape of coasts, as they slow down incoming waves, decreasing the rate at which a coast is eroded.

Trans-shipment might sound sexy, but it can be the devil in disguise. Let's first understand the word "trans-shipment" before going any further. Trans-shipment is the transfer of cargo from one vessel or conveyance to another vessel for further transit to complete the voyage and carry the cargo to its ultimate destination. Trans-shipment is usually made where there is no direct sea link between the consignor's and consignee's countries. The question one must ask, is China up to some kind of illegal practice? Trans-shipment is normally fully legitimate and an everyday part of world trade. However, it can also be a method used to disguise intent, as in the case with illegal logging, smuggling, or grey market goods. If the distance between Goat Islands and mainland Jamaica is less than a mile, why does China want to build on Goat Islands? Why not just build it on mainland Jamaica where the Government, police, immigration and Customs officers, as well as the citizens can see what the Chinese are doing?

Hero Scott

Helsinki, Finland

herocarlito@yahoo.com

Go to school, Warmington

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Dear Editor,

A little bit of research has revealed some interesting facts about a current topic of interest. All of this is publicly available information. The fact that the Goat Islands and Vernamfield were once sites of US military bases during WWII is widely known. Less well known are the details of this 'Destroyers for Bases Agreement' between the UK and USA, particularly the fact that it contains a 99-year lease of land to the US.

The US still treats this as a valid treaty (or other international agreement) currently in force. The agreement runs until September 2, 2039. Both bases in Jamaica were abandoned shortly after the war. The West Indies Federation was created and then dissolved, and most importantly, all of the former colonies with bases, beginning with Jamaica, became independent from Britain.

Given all of this intervening history, how then can this agreement still be on the books? A declassified National Security Council Report of the Eisenhower Administration from March 21, 1960 offers a clue as to the status of the former US bases in Jamaica. Goat Island Naval Air Station qualifies as one of the 16 de-activated Caribbean bases that the US was prepared, at that time, to relinquish immediately. [US Department of State: Office of the Historian, Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958-1960, American Republics, Volume V, Document 129, Annex Paragraph 12 and 20]

Given all of this intervening history, how then can this agreement still be on the books? A declassified National Security Council Report of the Eisenhower Administration from March 21, 1960 offers a clue as to the status of the former US bases in Jamaica. Goat Island Naval Air Station qualifies as one of the 16 de-activated Caribbean bases that the US was prepared, at that time, to relinquish immediately. [US Department of State: Office of the Historian, Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958-1960, American Republics, Volume V, Document 129, Annex Paragraph 12 and 20]

The window of opportunity for Jamaica to renegotiate was pretty small. Upon independence we agreed to assume all obligations and responsibilities of the United Kingdom which arise from any valid instrument (including any instrument made by the Government of the Federation of the West Indies). If Jamaica successfully renegotiated its position, it probably happened while we were a member of the West Indies Federation. Research has temporarily hit a wall at this point. I would guess that our Ministry of Foreign Affairs is on top of this.

Overall, it seems unlikely that the US would make a fuss about an agreement for a base that they abandoned nearly 70 years ago, and were prepared to give up voluntarily. However, there is one possible area for concern. Lawyers can confirm if this is so. Jamaica has ratified the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, and therefore applies international rules as it relates to the validity, modification or termination of treaties. The US signed but never ratified the convention. They can, if they want, apply their own understanding to what was agreed. Is it possible that the US may, even now, have something to say regarding Goat Islands?

Legal Researcher

malaneve@yahoo.com

Is there a Goat Islands lease?

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Dear Editor,

Obama has made a move that we should all applaud as a respect for due process, in refusing to attack the Syrian regime before getting the approval of Congress.

The world has become a much safer place since the Whitehouse became occupied by a president who deliberates and thinks before acting. Had he bombed Syria earlier, he would be in a quandary now, trying to prove that such attacks were carried out by the Syrian regime.

Obama does not have to prove that he can and will take decisive actions when the need arises. Shortly after being elected, he did not deliberate for long before sending in Navy Seals to rescue hostages from Somali pirates, and he went against the advice of some of his advisors and sent in the seals rather than drones to get Osama bin Laden. In the latter case he embarrassed the Pakistanis by showing the world where the most wanted terrorist had been hiding, muting any protest from them. Had he used drones, the world would still be arguing about whether or not the drones had really killed the right person, and protests would have spread all over the world. It was a great strategic decision to do it in the way he did, taken at great political risk, which, had it not succeeded would have destroyed him politically and given the vulgar right and the ability to mock him and profile him.

Obama's only mistake in this issue had been to publicly draw a red line. But he should be applauded for not acting just to appear tough, and for seeking the backing of Congress. As he put it, it is not a matter of his credibility being at stake. This is not a case where Americans are being held hostage in Syria, or have been attacked and killed by the regime and quick decisive action is required. This case requires whole scale condemnation and action supported by the entire world.

Ideally, the problem could be easily solved if the Russians came on board and condemned the slaughter and forced al-Assad out, allowing some sort of negotiations to take place between his present supporters and the rebels. That is unlikely to happen. Obama has been profiled by the vulgar right which includes most of the present Republican party, as an incompetent, leftist who is stupid, indecisive and soft. In doing so, they have been making the same mistake that Democrats used to make with Ronald Reagan during his tenure.

It has been a clear case of underrating the opponent. Any president who is distrusted by a combination of the vulgar left, the vulgar right, Islamist as well as Zionist extremist, is likely to be acting in the interest of his own country and the world. The truth is that it is one of the ways in which Obama is becoming a transformative president, by changing the way in which military decisions are made. The commander-in-chief makes unilateral decisions during a crisis which requires immediate action. This is what the present power of the president to act militarily without Congressional approval was intended to accommodate. But will henceforth require the backing of Congress to go to war.

R Howard Thompson

Mandeville

howardthompson507@yahoo.com

Obama, Syria and profiling

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Dear Editor,

Contrary to popular belief, the Bible is not an easy book to understand, and it is for this reason why some have used it for good, while others, within the same context, have used it for bad.

Some have used it to justify slavery, while others have used it to argue for the abolition of slavery. Today, some use the Bible to denounce homosexual and lesbian practices, while others use it to encourage compassion for them.

One difficult passage that is oftentimes used to condemn homosexuals is Romans 1:18-32. The reason some Christians have misinterpreted this passage is because they don't understand its deliberative rhetorical form. This passage forms part of a letter written by the apostle Paul to five Christian churches in Rome. Letters are always addressed to a specific audience, for a specific purpose. Evidently, there were social problems in Rome, and Paul wrote his letter, not to the city of Rome, but specifically to the Roman Christians to address issues that were affecting them.

Paul had no intention of using the same language and tone to address unbelievers who were experiencing the same problems. The main sin which Paul addressed was that humans (believers and unbelievers) have failed to glorify God, even though God has revealed himself to them in both His creation (natural revelation) and the written word (special revelation). Instead of acknowledging and worshipping God, humans have become obsessed with materialism. The passage tells us that obsession with materialism leads to sexual impurity (verses 21-24); shameful lusts (verses 25-27), which include lesbian and homosexual practices; and to intellectual corruption (verses 28 -32), consisting of 21 vices, which include anti-social behaviours such as quarrelling, gossip, murder, envy, and greed. Sexual impurity, shameful lusts and intellectual corruption are consequences or symptoms, not the main reason for God's anger against humans.

The passage clearly states that God is angry with

us because we have failed to acknowledge and glorify him. Of course, God also hates the consequences, but the main reason for his anger against us is because we have ignored the Creator for the created.

Africanus

rehnis@msn.com

To a specific audience, for a specific purpose

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Dear Editor,

I believe that it is morally wrong for our political leaders to enforce a law that states that women must retire at age 60 and men at 65 within the private and public sectors.

In Jamaica, about 20 per cent of our political leaders are over their respective retirement ages. Why? Are they above the law?

I am sure that the law is being enforced why not with political leaders? How come they are still shamelessly going to work every morning?

By their own ignoring of that law they are demonstrating that they are more important to Jamaica than our teachers, our doctors and nurses, our lawyers, and our police officers.

By their ignoring that law, are they stating that they are superior human beings to non-political Jamaicans?

Come to think of it, what is the qualification to be a politician? How and where were they certified? The certification of teachers, nurses, doctors and lawyers is well established by their years of education and/or training. Where is that political school of certification? What is the period of training? When was the last time that a politician has ever retired from that job -- except for reasons of "ill health".

What is so important to them that they all, by their own choice, have to die being a politician rather than retiring gracefully and enjoying the "fruits of their honest stewardship".

Come on Mr Politician, Ms Politician, it's retirement time. Allow job space for the young and potentially aspiring politician to join that group of public servants to demonstrate their new vision of a new Jamaica.

Let us all make a conscious decision to live our love for our country Jamaica.

Hugh Innis

Montego PO 1

St James

What is the retirement age for our politicians?

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Dear Editor,

That Jamaica's Prime Minister Mrs Portia Simpson Miller has been named as a potential world leader is neither good nor bad, in itself.

It may be significant, however, along with the naming of other female world leaders, as one of the signs of the times, of this age.

Following are some of the undeniable current "signs", in Jamaica and around the world, which has long been authoritatively characterised as "Sodom and Egypt" , and even as "Babylon", which "has fallen.. and is falling" (Rev 11 & 18).

In those days:

- Children will be their oppressors and women will rule over them.."(Isaiah 3:12)

- "Many will run to and fro.. and knowledge shall be increased.."(Daniel 12:4)

- And even as they did not like to retain Yahweh in their knowledge, Yahweh gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not proper: "Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness, full of envy, murder, debate, deceit..."

- "Backbiters, haters of Yahweh, spiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents"

- "Without understanding, covenant-breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful" (Holy Name Version).

C Anthony

Kingston 10

carltongor@gmail.com

Signs of the times

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Dear Editor,

The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) holds the titles for the Goat Islands and it follows that the head of this organisation must have some significant influence in the discussions and negotiations concerning the fate of those public properties. He is a noted attorney, and some commentators are of the view that his courtroom skills will be valuable in any effort to persuade the Chinese to seek a better location for the proposed logistic hub.

Not so very long ago the Chinese were sold on the idea of building an expensive stadium in a remote Jamaican hillside where spectators were unlikely to go. That sports ground has turned out to be a costly mistake -- a "white elephant" with buildings left to rot and the playing fields transformed into a feeding ground for goats. The skillful negotiator of that deal is now head of the UDC; and he has been advising us to be calm and not to worry about the Goat Islands.

Knowing that the Chinese are not amused by the waste of their money and their labour at Sligoville is cause for apprehension. Will they be ready for another round with our skillful attorney? I wonder will he be able to curry their favour and so prevent anyone ramming the project down our throats?

Ken Jones

kensjones2002@yahoo.com

Persuading the Chinese

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Dear Editor,

Now that the CSEC and CAPE results are out and the usual ranking of schools showing the pass rates of each, what I would ask of those who do this is that they tell us the weaknesses of the schools that have been ranked low and the relative strengths of those above them.

If the aim is to educate parents as to the relative quality of each school, then this needs to be done. We need to know if low pass rates are due, for example, to frequent absence by teachers or students, lack of proper planning by teachers, lack of sufficient knowledge base of the teachers, a failure to teach the subject conceptually, or poor relationships between administration and staff.

My own informal research, admittedly with a limited sample, suggests that there is a strong co-relation between PTA involvement and results. Assessment should always done so that those assessed can learn from it and improve.

The validity of the data used has never been in question, but how it has been used is another matter. But for researchers to have us draw conclusions about schools from that data is unreasonable. In fact, the only conclusion that can be drawn from the data is that students can go to all schools and achieve passes.

What we need to find out is what is it in the experience of students that enables them to perform at a satisfactory level, and what in the experience of other students in the same schools with the same teachers and the same facilities causes them to perform unsatisfactorily.

Too many parents put their children under pressure to attend name brand schools far from home and end up being consumed with efforts to find the subsistence necessary. What is worse is that they take the place of other students at those schools, who then have to travel the same distances to some other school which may even be in the neighbourhood from which the other student comes. They both end up spending hours on the road and in taxi stands, unsupervised.

If the outcomes are to improve, we must try to identify precisely where the main source of the problem lies. So please let us use the data we have intelligently.

R Howard Thompson

howardthompson507@yahoo.com

Let's use the research to help

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Dear Editor,

Even though the United States and France (and possibly others) are only planning a very limited war against President Assad of Syria, I think that they should go all the way and take out the Assad Government. All the reasons that I have heard as to why an attack would be a mistake don't make much sense.

Some of those opposed to an American-led attack say that it will make a bad situation worse by turning Syria into another Iraq. Well, I have news for those people, Syria is already another Iraq, and if the rest of the world sits by and does nothing, it will only get worse.

Then there is the claim of others that an American-led attack would lead to a wider war. I really don't see this happening. The Russians will not do anything to stop the Americans. As for Iran, they would not risk a war with the West, she simply doesn't have the military capacity for that now. Some think that Iran's proxies will attack Israel. That might be true. However, as we have seen repeatedly, Israel can take care of herself; she has no match in the region.

The Americans don't need to have boots on the ground to get rid of Assad. When the Libyan dictator was removed from power, the air superiority of Britain, France and America ensured that the rebels were able to defeat Gaddafi. American air superiority is all that the rebels in Syria will need to degrade Assad's forces, that would be enough to topple him.

This plan by the Americans to just deny Assad the means to use his chemical weapons doesn't go far enough. As far as I see, Assad's time is up and the West can always ignore Russia and use its superior military might to get rid of him.

Michael A Dingwall

Kingston

michael_a_dingwall@hotmail. com

Take out Assad too

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Dear Editor,

Since political parties are national institutions and not private clubs we expect the Jamaica Labour Party to have a greater appreciation for democracy. But it is well known that internecine conflicts are a major part of the party's history.

The present conflict stems from the perception that Andrew Holness is a weak leader who is unable to mobilise a disenchanted populace; therefore he should be challenged by someone like Audley Shaw who has the ability to entertain both the business elites and the masses. Some even claim that a vociferous leader is needed to confront the current Administration, hence the mild-mannered Holness is not the right man for the job.

Many may not want to admit this troubling fact, but Jamaicans are not ready to accept a leader with Holness's disposition, because we have grown to accept vulgarity as a common feature of leadership. Politicians that refuse to appeal to the lowest denominator, or those who fail to promote 'badness', are often castigated. So it can be argued that contempt for Holness is due to his conciliatory nature. If Mr Holness is really transformational then he should seek to distance himself from undemocratic ideals. If he does not, then he will give weight to the argument that he is weak and indecisive.

Furthermore, Holness should articulate his plans for his party and the country more effectively. It would also be welcomed if he outlined a political philosophy for the Labour Party. It is not good enough to say that the party supports anything that works; the inability of the Jamaica Labour Party to coalesce around a set of core values has been one of its major shortfalls and the party's ideals seem to become those of the leader.

Holness must also resist the temptation to align the party with populist philosophies. The Opposition leader has the potential to become Jamaica's Margaret Thatcher, as based on his speeches we know he has conservative views. Unfortunately, the young politician's perceived inability to control the dissidents in his party may indicate to the electorate that he was never transformational, but rather a fraud who is unable to grasp the nettle.

Audley, on the other hand, should prove to the Jamaican people that his desire to challenge the incumbent leader goes beyond hype. Being able to stir up the masses is a good trait for a leader, but at this time having what some analysts call "fire in the belly" is not enough. Shaw should outline feasible long-term proposals for the country, if he wants to be taken serious. Confronting his many critics and reminding citizens about some of his achievements during his stint as the finance minister could establish him as a credible candidate, but if he yields to temptation by engaging in mud-slinging like some of the members in Mr Transformational's camp then we will know that he is just a "bag of noise".

The People's National Party cannot afford to be too happy about the absence of a suitable opposition, because its failings are so loud that they speak for themselves.

Lipton Matthews

lo_matthews@yahoo.com

The meat of the JLP challenge

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