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Uruguay moving to decriminalise cannabis

September 11, 2013, 2:00 am
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Dear Editor,

The United Nations body in charge of inspecting compliance with the international drug treaties expressed "concern" regarding the approval of the Chamber of Deputies of Uruguay on a law legalising the production and distribution of cannabis. The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) said that if this Bill is passed, it would be against the provisions of international treaties on narcotic drugs.

The INCB urged the Uruguayan authorities to ensure that the country continues obeying international law to restrict the use of drugs, including cannabis dedicated exclusively to medical and scientific purposes.

This law could bring "serious consequences for the health and welfare of the population and on the prevention of abuse of cannabis among young people". Therefore, the INCB requested the authorities to consider "all the consequences before taking a decision".

This Bill authorises the cultivation, distribution and sale of marijuana under State regulation.

To enter into force, the law must be approved by the Senate. Uruguay's government claims that marijuana legalisation is a way to fight against drug trafficking more effectively than repression, as it fights its funding sources..

Moreover, in Spain, the Foundation Against Drug Addiction (FAD) has launched a new advertising campaign under the slogan: 'Not always is one so lucky. Do not play with drugs'.

The action is aimed at young people between 15 and 24, to prevent the risks of drug abuse. Mindful that young people use more social networks every day, the FAD has therefore opened a new Facebook page that includes all ad campaigns that have taken place since the founding of the foundation.

Clemente Ferrer

clementeferrer3@gmail.com

Uruguay moving to decriminalise cannabis

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Wha' sweet nanny goat...

September 12, 2013, 2:00 am
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Dear Editor,

Listening to Minister Omar Davies on TV, the other night, I was reminded of the tale of the Trojan Horse. Addressing an audience, which he called "Comrades", he said in effect: If you are hungry and suffering and a man comes to you with a proposal to help out by spending a thousand million US dollars you would be an idiot to turn him away.

The reference was made in relation to the Chinese Government's offer to construct a massive logistics hub on Jamaican territory -- something he said would provide 2000 jobs while it is being built. Dr Davies did not explain what the hungry suffering Jamaicans would be expected to give -- in addition, of course, to the Goat Islands and the highly valuable marine surroundings.

In the case of the Trojan Horse, the Greek had a great desire to occupy Troy and, having for years failed to breach the surrounding walls, developed a ruse which involved building a beautiful wooden horse that would be left as a gift at the Trojan gate. In those times, such an act was a sign that the Greek no longer wished to invade Troy and was abandoning the idea.

The story goes that the joyful Trojans, when they saw the beautiful gift horse, opened their gate and dragged it in with great celebration. However, as soon as they went to bed that night Greek soldiers hidden inside the wooden horse crept out, opened the gate and enabled the Greek army to enter triumphantly. That was the end of Troy and the beginning of the saying: Beware of Greeks bearing gifts; and the other saw: Always look a gift horse in the mouth.

I applaud the Chinese Government for its enlightened self-interest. Establishing strategic footholds in the Caribbean takes not only money but also vision and determination. However, as an ardent Jamaican nationalist I would like to see our Government demonstrating equal virtues; working as proud land owners rather than desperately hungry men unable to resist the temptation of a seemingly sumptuous meal. Let our temporary gods remember: 'Wha' sweet nanny goat a go run him belly.'

Ken Jones

kensjones2002@yahoo.com

Wha' sweet nanny goat...

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A moment of clarity, Madam PM?

September 12, 2013, 2:00 am
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Dear Editor,

After returning from a five-day official visit to the People's Republic of China, Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, in her first public speech, at a People's National Party Region Three address on Friday, September 6, indicated that "our economy is in trouble and the people are suffering".

It appears that we are getting mixed messages from the People's National Party (PNP) camp, as it is a direct contradiction of what Peter Phillips recently stated that "we have passed the worse".

In addition, on August 27, 2013, Colin Bullock, the director-general of the Planning Institute of Jamaica, declared that the Jamaican economy is expected to record growth ranging 0.5 to 1.5 per cent in 2013.

Sadly, madam prime minister professed that she loves the poor, and the people are suffering. It has been months since we have heard from her, and when she finally speaks, she is telling the people something that they are well aware of. It appears that she may have just woken up and has a moment of clarity that the economy is in shambles.

To go a step further to educate madam prime minister as to why the economy is in trouble, it is that the ministers make a lot of major announcement of projects that they fail to execute.

On September 4, 2013 The World Economic Forum's 2013-2014 Global Competitiveness Report, which looks at policies and factors that determine the level of productivity of a country, noted that Jamaica is ranked 94 out of 148 countries, due to the level of corruption and government bureaucracy, etc.

In addition, to her non performing ministers, just recently a website, toptensworld.com, ranked minister of Youth and Culture, Hanna fourth among the worst politicians on the planet. Also, Agriculture Minister Roger Clarke has dropped the ball totally as he is busy daggering comrades at a party event, while not paying attention to the shortage of chicken back.

Madam Prime Minister, so far you have not fulfilled your economic duties having been given the overwhelming mandate to make right the economy. When I think about it, though, your pronouncement should not have been a surprise, as you indicated in the past that you do not watch TV, so you may not be privy to the news that is being reported of the people suffering.

The country is a blind man, being led by blind mice straight into the sea by the musical sound of neglect by the one and only champion prime minister.

Patrick Callum

patrickcallum@yahoo.com

A moment of clarity, Madam PM?

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One love: Lessons I learnt from football

September 12, 2013, 2:00 am
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Dear Editor,

The football match between Costa Rica and Jamaica taught me some valuable lessons. Yeah, there were the obvious "stone that the builder refused", "too little too late" messages that I'll leave for the sporting analysts to belabour. But I observed other things less cliche and more meaningful.

I was reminded that people, by nature, put out their best when they have a point to prove. The pace of the football match was markedly different in the last 17 minutes after Costa Rica scored. There was a fire in the Boyz that they didn't have before the moment they realised "this mess just got serious". Tuffy had that vengeful militant fire too that said: "Yu neva waan play me? Watch me prove my worth." And that made me realise that we sometimes need obstacles and times of adversity to fuel a fire within us.

The match reminded me to not confuse progress with victory. The 14 busloads of Costa Rican nationals never sang Ole Ole as loud as they did in the National Stadium as they thought they had won. With minutes still left in play, they were already flag waving and breaking out in their victory song and dance... then Jamaica equalised and every Costa Rican fell dead silent. I learnt it safe and sensible to delay celebration to the end -- this was a big one for me 'cause I'm often guilty of celebrating prematurely.

Bounty Killer's skinny legs in his preppy green plaid shorts reminded me that people are people. He didn't seem so "cross, angry or miserable" with his knees exposed. He appeared a regular Jamaican guy giving support to the Reggae Boyz the best way he knew how. I liked that.

I learnt that stardom can turn people ugly. Near 2,500 people went through great expense to come see the team they love play in another country. And yet, while they were cheering their hearts out, not one Costa Rican player looked up in the stands and smiled and said "Thank You". The only Costa Ricans who bothered to take the time and acknowledge their supporters were those who had been benched. I noticed that, and it was unpleasant to see. The match reminded me to be gracious and grateful.

Lastly, the match reminded me about the power of music. I was surrounded by a sea of red in the stands, and my spirits were low because I couldn't see other Jamaicans out and ready to show the Boyz love and support. Just before the starting whistle, Bob Marley's voice echoed from the speakers "Don't worry about a thing" and right then and there, the DJ had created magic. The yellows immediately multiplied tenfold as the Jamaicans rose to their feet and, at that moment, I didn't feel so alone... and neither did the Boyz.

I'm glad I went to the match. It didn't start out my best Tuesday but, in the end, I saw some decent football, practised my Spanish, made new memories, and got schooled in how to live life.

One Love.

Patria-Kaye

St Andrew

One love: Lessons I learnt from football

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Land we love?

September 13, 2013, 2:00 am
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Dear Editor

Why does the Government of Jamaica, from JLP to PNP, want to sell Jamaica to the highest bidder? We pattern our country off America, but they preserve and protect there forests and wetlands.

Look at Haiti, among their biggest problems is that all trees have been cut down, and we are hurting ourselves.

I think it's time the public starts to protect Jamaica, land we love, and send these money-hungry people back to where they belong.

Also, we have to start grooming younger politicians who care about this county because some now have no love for Jamaica just there pockets.

Alfred Bell

Palm Beach

Land

we love?

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Once bitten, twice shy

September 13, 2013, 2:00 am
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Dear Editor,

When environmentalists Diana McCauley and Peter Espeut show concern about China's interest in Goat Islands I don't believe that they are "enemies of the state" or "naysayers".

When Carolyn Gomes of Jamaicans for Justice is critical of our children being in lock-ups with adults, it must be out of deep concern that she does this.

Their actions are not meant to embarrass the Government. This Administration views criticisms as a sort of anathema, and those who strongly disagree with it as being its enemies.The fact is, when the British owned Jamaican sugar factories they occupied senior management positions. The same thing held for the Americans when they controlled the bauxite industry. Jamaicans are worried that Chinese investment will result not only in high skilled job loss, but also low skilled jobs going to some of the millions that China has at home.

This isn't a farfetched fear, Deborah Brautigam, associate professor of international development at American University and someone who has done serious research on China's investment in Africa, corroborates this view. Chinese construction companies often bring in Chinese manpower — on average 20 per cent of the labour their projects require — reducing opportunities for Africans. When they do employ locals, Chinese firms often offer low wages and low labour standards.

But there are ways to mitigate these dangers. African governments are already driving harder and better-informed bargains. Angola required Chinese companies to sub-contract 30 per cent of the work to local firms and insisted that the Chinese solicit at least three bids for every project they planned to undertake. The Congolese government has stipulated that 10 to 12 per cent of all infrastructure work undertaken under their arrangement must be sub-contracted to Congolese firms, that not more than 20 per cent of the construction workers involved be Chinese, and that at least one-half of one per cent of the costs of each infrastructure project be spent on worker training.

There is no doubt that we are desperate for foreign direct investment to ensure employment and development of our country. But this can't mean that we must compromise our environment, jump at any hare-brained proposal that is thrown at us and rush in where fools fear to thread.

Our development cannot be at the expense of our environment or employment of our people. This time around we must ensure that no one, "run wid it, gwan wid it," or "naw stop di progress".

Mark Clarke

St Elizabeth

mark_clarke9@yahoo.com

Once bitten, twice shy

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What on earth is the Government thinking?

September 13, 2013, 2:00 am
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Dear Editor:

Having helped, in a small way, with the Jamaican iguana recovery effort back in the mid 1990s, I still remember vividly my first and only wild encounter. I am horrified at the news of negotiations between Chinese investors and the Government of Jamaica with respect to developments in the Hellshire Hills and Portland Bight Protected Area.

It was just months after the iguanas' sensational rediscovery in Hellshire by the remarkable Mr Duffus that I spent hours sitting in the searing heat of the Hellshire sun in hope of a glimpse of one of the remaining animals. I got that glimpse and the memory will remain with me forever.

Since that day, the iguana recovery numbers have increased from single figures to more stable numbers. This has been a monumental task. Fighting against the odds with self-sacrifice, passion and bravery as well as the support of a small number of truly remarkable people, we are still lucky to have Jamaican iguanas now.

What on earth, then, is the Government thinking? To build a huge international port within the Portland Bight Protected Area? If so, what does protected mean then?

Is it not enough to allow the gradual erosion of Cockpit Country, the country's most biodiverse hotspot. Hellshire, too, must be ruined?

The consequences for Jamaican biodiversity, and iguanas specifically, of such a 'development' are unthinkable and unquestionably disastrous. That such a plan should even reach the negotiating table for consideration is shameful.

Mr Pickersgill, stand up and be a man, do what you are paid to do, fight for the environment, and don't let money, greed, ignorance, and politics force your hand to do the wrong thing.

People of Jamaica don't take this lying down. Fight for your unique natural heritage, protect it and cherish it. Once it is gone you will never get it back.

Richard Gibson

Herpetologist and Conservationist

reptilerichard@gmail.com

What on earth is the Government thinking?

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Holness, the new Seaga

September 13, 2013, 2:00 am
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Dear Editor,

Portia Simpson Miller gave Andrew Holness some encouragement during her presentation in Gordon House on September 10, 2013. She also told the members of her government to stay clear of the pending JLP leadership challenge, as well as to refrain from making comments. I could not care less about how unfit she may be for the post of prime minister, this woman is a political genius.

Andrew Holness is to her as Edward Seaga was to P J Patterson. She and her party are guaranteed victory. The prime minister clearly understands that in order for her to win the next general election, whenever she decides to call it, she needs Andrew Holness right where he is. She simply cannot deal with an Audley Shaw right now. He has already caused enough damage to her image by uncovering the scandals of the Administration she led prior to the 2007 General Election.

Therefore, she will help to protect Andrew — whom she has referred to several times as her son — from harm, at least, until she is ready to demolish him herself.

I would like to ask Holness what exactly does he call a responsible Opposition? The Government has done several things that have gone unchecked under his watch. I thought the duty of "Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition" was to keep the Government in line and to protect the best interest of the people. Apparently, he has found comfort in Mrs Simpson Miller's motherly love and has stepped back far enough to be viewed as a PNP sympathiser.

Mrs Simpson Miller has realised that her Government is able to drown out Mr Holness's concerns with her gifts from China. But Shaw would be too much of an amplifier to the ills of her Government.

Joy Saunders

Kingston 9

Holness, the new Seaga

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16: can't vote, can have sex

September 14, 2013, 2:00 am
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Dear Editor,

We have a very serious matter to take into consideration: Teenagers at 16 are not allowed to vote, they are not allowed to open certain types of accounts, neither are they free to drink alcoholic beverages, but they are given national consent to have sex.

Isn't this a very serious and enormous error? Why are they taking so long to put the age of consent to 18 or 19; deliberately ignoring the clamour for a change?

They should put sexual activity on the same on the burner, for a more mature age.

Donald J McKoy

donaldmckoy2010@hotmail.com

16: can't vote, can have sex

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Get off the private sector's back

September 14, 2013, 2:00 am
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Dear Editor,

There has been much debate about the perceived lacklustre nature of the private sector, but the discourse is void of context since most commentators choose to ignore Jamaica's hostile economic climate.

The decisions of the corporate world are based on economic realities and not altruism, businesses exist to maximise profit, therefore we ought not to expect rational businessmen to invest heavily in the productive sector when the cost of doing business is not only exorbitant, but the economic environment is one of great uncertainty.

Since the Government should only play a facilitatory role in generating growth, we expect policymakers to consider the suggestion of noted consultant Trevor Hamilton. According to Dr Hamilton, the developmental approval process should be privatised, thereby eliminating inefficient bureaucratic practices. The authority of government bodies to approve projects would be transferred to professionals like architects and civil engineers. It took the approval process for the Courtyard Marriott Hotel three years to materialise, this is a perfect example of the public sector's lethargy; hence the need to reduce the role of government in the economy.

Since the Government should only play a facilitatory role in generating growth, we expect policymakers to consider the suggestion of noted consultant Trevor Hamilton. According to Dr Hamilton, the developmental approval process should be privatised, thereby eliminating inefficient bureaucratic practices. The authority of government bodies to approve projects would be transferred to professionals like architects and civil engineers. It took the approval process for the Courtyard Marriott Hotel three years to materialise, this is a perfect example of the public sector's lethargy; hence the need to reduce the role of government in the economy.

A report on September 4, 2013 highlighted the challenges faced by Swiss House Jamaica Limited in securing tax breaks and building permits within Kingston. Despite submitting applications to the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) and the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation (KSAC) for a permit to construct a parking garage several months ago, even in September they are yet to be approved. In the words of the Town Clerk Errol Greene: "The KSAC is bound by law to seek the input of other agencies, and if they do not respond expeditiously, there is nothing we can do."

The UDC is one of those agencies. It is examples like these that validate Dr Hamilton's suggestion. Politicians claim that Jamaica needs foreign investment, but they do nothing to abolish archaic laws, like the one which prevents the KSAC from acting independently. The present Administration wants to amend the Contractor General Act to prevent the Office of the Contractor General from engaging in certain projects at the pre-contract stage, it would be good if reducing bureaucracy was pursued with the same vigour.

In the developed world there is no need for excessive bureaucracy. For example, company incorporation in Singapore is a simple process involving two steps (company name approval and registration with the companies registrar), this only takes a day.

Before, criticising the private sector PNP activists should ask themselves, what has the prime minister done to inspire confidence?

Lipton Matthews

lo_matthews@yahoo.com

Get off the private sector's back

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Don't take kindness for face value

September 14, 2013, 2:00 am
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Dear Editor,

From as far back as the 2011 General Election, Portia Simpson Miller has been alluding to the perception that Andrew Holness is her son and that she loves him. This became even more evident at the resumption of Parliament on Tuesday, when the prime minister gave Holness a few words of comfort. Now this is all good for him, but is it good for the Jamaica Labour Party?

Is Mrs Simpson-Miller sympathising with Holness because she sees potential in him and she hopes he gets a chance to lead the country? Or, is it that she feels he would be a lightweight in the next general election compared to his challenger, Audley Shaw?

Because, if I were her I would want an Opposition leader who is easily forgettable, thus providing me with a second term to make way for my successor.

A mother will always provide love, comfort and guidance to her son until he gets into her way. Mrs. Simpson Miller will "kill" Andrew Holness with kindness and all the respect in the world, until the time comes, and she gives him another spanking to put him in his place.

The Jamaica Labour Party must not get too caught up with a fantasy and forget that the purpose of a political party is to win elections.

As the Opposition looking to the next election who would you prefer to lead, the responsibly silent son of the prime minister or the flamboyant candidate who is able to win?

You must be in power, to make the difference.

Derron Scarlett

Bronx, New York

Don't take kindness for face value

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Can law enforcers do no wrong?

September 14, 2013, 2:00 am
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Dear Editor,

Firstly, I would like to extend my condolence to the family of the police officer that died from the horrific crash in Falmouth on Monday, September 9, 2013. Life is precious, and no one deserves to have theirs cut short.

What worries me, however, is why do officers continue to chase motorists on our busy roadways when they have been given clear instructions to not do so? Isn't this also endangering the lives of other motorists and pedestrians?

The driver of the vehicle in the crash was not even taken to the hospital for treatment, he was taken straight to the Falmouth Police Station where he stayed until bail was posted on Tuesday evening. The other two occupants were taken to hospital in the very same minibus that the officer was said to be chasing.

We criticise and condemn our politicians when they act contrary to our expectations of them. We crucify our churches when they try to speak out on issues not deemed religious. And we chastise the organisations that we think don't act in defence of our rights and against injustices when they should. Why don't we call a spade a spade in instances like these.

Law enforcers should be held responsible for their actions and the blame not be cast on those are simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Allison Solomon

St Catherine

Can law enforcers do no wrong?

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Sneeze 'Goat Islands' in China, Jamaicans catch flu

September 14, 2013, 2:00 am
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Dear Editor,

The current debate concerning the development of the logistics hub and the monetary investment by China is due to the failure of the Portia Simpson Miller-led Administration to fulfil its promise for transparency, accountability and to have confidence in the Jamaican people.

The undue delay to hold a press conference to share with the nation the outcome of her recent visit to China, like the visit of Ethiopia, are not actions of accountability. To give interviews to foreign media, while ignoring the local Jamaican media is not accountability.

Did the Honourable Robert Pickersgill not know that when he sneezed ''Goat Islands'' in China, Jamaicans would have caught an environmental flu some 8,721.28 miles away in Kingston?

Why did Omar Davies encourage the negative firestorm over the environment by failing to disclose to Jamaicans that he had asked the Port Authority to conduct a study concerning the viability of the Portland Bight Protected Area (PBPA)? Why has he hired consultants to provide information that already exists on the websites of the agricultural and fisheries and environment ministries?

Easton Douglas, who was minister of environment in a former People's National Party's administration, signed the order to declare the body of water between the Hellshire Hills and Portland ridge as the PBPA on April 22, 1999. It consists of 4.7 per cent of Jamaica's land area and 47.6 per cent of the island shelf. Apparently the transport minister, who was the minister of finance in 1999, has no idea what the former P J Patterson-led administration had done this.

It is such actions of the prime minister and of her Cabinet that keep causing the negative discussions, suspicions of extravagance and corruption in an information-driven age.

Dudley C McLean II

Mandeville, Manchester

dcmduart@yahoo.com

Sneeze 'Goat Islands'

in China, Jamaicans catch flu

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Grant true wisdom

September 16, 2013, 2:00 am
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Dear Editor,

The challenges of sustainable development are of a magnitude and complexity that far surpass the understanding of any individual or group

— S Schmidheiny.

The realities that face Jamaica some 51 years after Independence suggest that a complete revamping of whatever model we used to get here has to occur sooner rather than later.

With unemployment and poverty levels reaching all-time highs and criminality at crisis levels, there is a need for all stakeholders to play a constructive role in presenting sustainable solutions on the table.

Regulations must be complemented by economic instruments, not knee-jerk reactions to the possibility of economic developments. Without a detailed methodological approach to both environmental management and economical development, the two will continue to seem at odds with each other, when instead sustainable development requires a complementary approach.

You can't ask two teams who fundamentally oppose each other to adjudicate their own arguments. Instead, a global and still personal mechanism of accounting that addresses human needs and genuine environmental constraints is required.

The need now is for wisdom and environmental studies which include economic and social constructs that are transparent and robust. The need is not for name-calling or rigid stances on any of these issues as Jamaica needs more than posturing in order to move forward as a nation.

Wayne Williams

Mandeville, Manchester

wils25@hotmail.com

Grant true wisdom

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Why send home the children?

September 16, 2013, 2:00 am
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Dear Editor,

School administrators have been clamping down on students who are deemed inappropriately attired for school. The Observer on Thursday, September 12, 2013, page 5, showed the photo of a young man sitting on a wall outside Donald Quarrie High School, with a handkerchief covering his face. This brought a mixture of motions within me.

The message: "Go home, your pants are too tight". The caption read, "Are these trousers too tight?" This led me to wonder if we have our priorities straight. Obviously, this young man is of a slim build, and from the photograph it doesn't appear the pants are tight, yet.

When we send home our children from school because pants are too tight, skirts are too short, khakis/tunics are not the right hue, what are we sending them home to do?

What will help? School administrators, parents and children must find a common ground. But, in a society where schools are failing and children are left unattended and unmonitored the devil will surely find work for idle hands.

If these children turn up for school, let them stay at school, find some other means of punishing them; but for heaven's sake, let them go to classes.

Mr Education Minister, Mr School Administrator, it can't be that the only way to punish these children is to deny them entry to school. Why don't we keep them back for detention, children love their freedom, and to detain them is not fun for them at all. Why don't we introduce them to positive role models they can emulate? School administrators, why don't you get in contact with the business people and start a mentorship programme for these young ones? Why don't we get stricter on the parents, after all these children did leave home for school?

Concerned parent and citizen

Why send home the children?

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Is Caricom effective or essential?

September 16, 2013, 2:00 am
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Dear Editor,

More than ever before people within member countries are openly expressing their views regarding their gross dissatisfaction with Caricom. Countless issues have been raised regarding the inequities and actions which threaten the process of Caribbean integration.

However, the forums whereby these issues are successfully resolved remain obscure to say the least. As these issues continue to rise with no resolution in sight, many are now calling for the dissolution of Caricom. Yet, this is not the answer to our problems, and history should have taught us that it was the condition of our respective countries which led us to form the Federation initially, and despite its failure, we have once again been driven to the point where it was necessary to form Caricom.

Presently, Caricom is ineffective, but it can work and it is essential that we make it work. Instead of applying pressure towards a dissolution, let us apply pressure towards fixing it. For Caribbean integration to be truly successful, it must begin at the level of the people. There exists a 'we vs them' mentality regarding our sister nations and this adds to the problem. We need to get to the point where we truly understand that our economic survival -- dare I even hope for our stability -- in the global market is desperately based on our integration as a region.

Camille Reid

daintylittlelady@yahoo.com

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Who is really to be blamed for Ja?

September 16, 2013, 2:00 am
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Dear Editor,

Many times in trying to solve the major issues within our society we overlook the little things, the things that actually play a role in many of the horrifying situations and circumstances that arise within our society.

Jamaica is known for many things: having the world's fastest athletes, reggae music, our food, and many more achievements. However, on the downside, we are known for crime and violence and sexual misconduct. What is cause of all this?

Many say the church has failed in its responsibility. Some blame the Government, claiming that proper measures are not being put in place to cause economic growth, which will then enhance the living standard of the country resulting in a better nation overall. While some blame the police and the justice system.

I do not necessarily denounce any of these as being contributing factors of our many faults as a nation, but I would like for every Jamaican to look deep within and ask some simple questions: Are we raising our children the right way? Can they come to us and tell us anything? Are we making heroes of persons who in no way suit the position? Do we hug and cherish our violent culture? Do we take advantage of our little boys and girls instead of showing them the right path? Do we teach our children independence, self-respect, dignity or do we tolerate the backwardness and ignorance?

As Jamaicans we love shortcuts and are unable to realise that it's the small things that we do and say, our bad practices, that set the stage for the ultimate outcome of our society. There is absolutely no way our country can thrive when it is based on lack of pride and responsibility. So who is really murdering our country?

We are killing our very selves. It is one big cycle. What a lot of us don't realise is that what happens to one affects all. Let us live what we say.

Claudene Moore

UWI, Mona

Who is really to be blamed for Ja?

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Why Goat Islands?

September 16, 2013, 2:00 am
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Dear Editor,

Let's look at the big picture, who suggested Goat Islands for the logistics project? The Chinese are building the Nicaragua Canal, they have unlimited access to building in the canal zone and at the canal entrances, both on the Pacific and Caribbean side, a lot more space than Goad Islands would provide. Why Goat Islands?

Why would the Chinese, after exiting the Nicaragua's Canal on the Caribbean side, want to sail approximately 500 more miles to Goat Islands, Jamaica? Does anyone believe they will just sail by the Pedro Banks and not trawl fish? Every fisherman on the south coast of Jamaica will suffer. Who will clean up waste generated on Goat Islands? Do you think they will build a bridge to connect to the mainland? I think not.

Who will control who comes and goes on the Island? Does anyone believe that Jamaica will be able to collect Custom duties for all the Chinese products that will illegally bypass our Customs and enter the island for sale? Our manufacturing sector will lose many jobs because of Chinese products flooding the country.

Doing business in China you have to get a Chinese partner who owns 49 or 51 per cent of your business, will Jamaica own 49 or 51 per cent of business generated by the project? Jamaica is playing with fire and we will get burn. I believe if this project goes through 90 per cent of the workers on the project will be Chinese nationals and we will not have a clue who is coming and going. This may be far-fetched, but if this project goes through do we have to worry about our economic zone south of the island? Wake up Jamaica, whatever agreement is reached will break the bank.

Don S

dcds57@gmail.com

Why Goat Islands?

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High praise to Ferry police

September 17, 2013, 2:00 am
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Dear Editor,

Good Deeds must be noised abroad. My heart is filled with gratitude to two brave policemen from the Ferry Police Station.

On Saturday, September 14, my husband and I were travelling from Manchester towards Kingston on Highway 2000 just after 8:00 pm. Suddenly, there was a funny noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. On listening closely we realised that we had a punctured tyre, by then we were in the vicinity Lakes Pen. We drove for about a kilometre because we heard of the many tales of robbery in that area. Unfortunately the tyre could go no more so we stopped and called 119 for assistance.

We gave them our location, name and licence number. My husband wanted to get out of the vehicle to change the tyre because he feels that he is fearless. It was only because of my beseeching and almost tears that he desisted from doing so.

The police arrived shortly afterwards and introduced themselves with a word of caution. One stated that if motorists have gas in their vehicles, they should never stop along that stretch of roadway. He even praised my husband for heeding to my pleas. He then related tales of horror about unsuspecting motorists who were robbed, and even killed in that vicinity.

Constables Beckford and Charangeesingh assisted us, protected us and served all through our ordeal. We realised that they were on 'high alert' as they told us that the robbers are always there in the bushes hiding just waiting to pounce. My husband and I realised that those two brave policemen put their lives on the line for us that night. We will be forever grateful to them and to the other members of the force who serve their country and fellow citizens with dignity and pride. Now we truly understand the police the motto "To serve and protect". I pray that God may continue to protect, cover and bless those brave men and women who fearlessly serve us. Thank you, Constables Beckford and Charangeesingh.

Everald & Telsa Scott

High praise to Ferry police

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Yes to "Park and ride"

September 17, 2013, 2:00 am
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Dear Editor,

Following on the heels of the recently announced increase in bus fares, I was delighted to read of the proposed intention to introduce a "Park and Ride" programme from Portmore. When I occupied a position as a government employee, I encouraged such a move, going as far as taking the bus myself. But I went even further than limiting it to Portmore, in that I believe that park areas should be at all entry points to the city, viz Constant Spring, Ferry and Harbour View. This as a fairly large percentage of motorists in the Corporate Area who drive to work do not return to their cars until "going home" time.

Such a move would increase the volume of passengers on the bus and thereby obviate the need for an increase in fares. The main segment of the motoring public which may, at first, not be persuaded to this park and ride recourse are the parents who presently drop off their children at school. As schoolchildren represent a large percentage of the fare-paying public, a survey could be done geared to providing buses at specific times (morning and afternoon) which would transport students only on routes that would incorporate as many schools as possible.

As Kingston expands daily and we have no foreseeable plans for building subways, we have to move with the times and learn to avoid the threatened gridlock.

Howard Hamilton CD, QC, JP

Duke Street,

Kingston

Yes to "Park and ride"

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