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Nelson Mandela — a gargantuan world political icon

December 12, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

The world has undoubtedly lost one of its greatest and most quintessential world political icons and leaders former president, His Excellency, Nelson Mandela. His passing was a monumental loss to the entire world.

Mandela, who founded the African National Congress (ANC) decades ago, fearlessly fought for equality for all citizens of South Africa and rose up against the rampant racism against the majority of the people of the country. He was imprisoned for close to 30 years for standing against the system in pursuit of justice for the black citizens of South Africa. After being released from prison he rose to even greater national prominence and was elected president of South Africa and served impeccably well during his term and retired from politics after serving one term as head of that country's government.

The unique, outstanding and exceptional personality of that immensely successful, admired and respected political icon held no bitter feelings to the white citizens of that country and diligently worked to unite the country while being president. He extended a hand of friendship to even his political and racial enemies which made him even more popular up until his death. It speaks siginificant volumes of this great, indomitable and indefatigable world leader and icon of high repute. He proved that he was a forward and pragmatic thinker of huge capital, which made him a prominent former world figure. Some, quite rightly, refer to him as one of the greatest political and world leader to have lived and I would support that statement unreservedly.

Mandela was an inspiration to the world and a noted role model of tall worth. He proved to the world that hatred, corrupt thoughts and malicious political victimisation should never be tolerated and must never be practised in any way, shape or form. Mandela showed that persons can also make amends with their enemies and show them the correct way to live, survive and exist on the earth and with our fellow men.

He served his country and the world remarkably well over his lifetime and was a leading patriot. His life will be remembered for a very long time to come. May his soul rest in peace.

Robert Dalley

Montego Bay

robertdalley1@hotmail.com

Nelson Mandela -- a gargantuan world political icon

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WICB president should resign

December 12, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

The only sensible response to the utterly backward decision of the West Indies Cricket Board to initially eject the Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) cricket team from the regional first-class cricket competition is reason to call for the immediate resignation of the president of the WICB, Whycliffe "Dave" Cameron.

But this response becomes doubly appropriate and necessary when one discovers that Mr Cameron's perverse assessment of the CCC's suitability to remain in the competition seems based on small-island insularity and anti-Barbadian sentiment.

Over the past week, the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation of Barbados and the regionally televised Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) news report featured Cameron making his defence of the WICB's decision to jettison the CCC. His defence can be reduced to the following propositions:

1) The only persons who are complaining about the decision are Barbadians.

2) For a team that was supposedly established as a vehicle for campuses and colleges across the region, the CCC comprises an inordinately high number of Barbadians.

3) If the CCC restructures its team, by reducing the percentage of Barbadian players, the WICB will consider allowing it back in the competition.

4) The CCC had submitted a restructuring plan to the WICB, but the WICB considered this to be a preliminary plan that needed to be further developed.

The WICB president is therefore justifying the derailment of the University of the West Indies' flagship cricket development project on narrow ground. A project that arguably constitutes the single most progressive initiative taken in the Caribbean over the past decade to assist in the redevelopment of West Indies cricket, and that has been a vehicle for the development of a number of our beckoning Test team prospects, is to being gratuitously destroyed on the altar of anti-Barbadianism.

As far as our organisation is concerned, Cameron has, by his own words, disqualified himself from occupying the exalted post of president. He has demonstrated that his thinking is captive to small island prejudices and petty nationalism, and that cannot augur well for the administration of West Indies cricket.

On behalf of the officers and members of the Clement Payne Movement of Barbados I hereby call upon Whycliffe Cameron to do the right thing and tender his resignation immediately.

We also cry shame on the other members of the WICB who supported the decision to eject the CCC cricket team.

David A Comissiong

President, Clement Payne Movement

Crumpton Street

Bridgetown, Barbados

WICB president should resign

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Talent 'nuff & plenty' for panto

December 12, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

Jamaica is rich in customs and traditions. Like most Jamaicans I look forward each year to celebrating and commemoratng those mores which have added significantly to the quality of our lives. The pantomime, which opens on its traditional December 26 (Boxing Day), is one such custom. Over the years, the pantomime has become a main attraction for many Jamaicans, especially for those Jamaicans visiting home during the Christmas period.

The pantomime usually pokes fun at life in the Jamaica and provides much comic relief on what are usually serious issues in the society. This gives us an opportunity to laugh at ourselves; forgetting our problems even for a few hours. The pantomime has been a training ground for many of our best actors and it continues to produce outstanding talents in the field of theatre and the performing arts.

Jamaicans are very talented and creative people. In fact, our sons and daughters have dominated various fields globally, ranging from sports, medicine and music. Notwithstanding this, we need to ask ourselves, why is it that over the years the pantomime scriptwriter has not changed. In order to facilitate more Jamaicans being a part in the pantomime at the level of scriptwriting, why not have a competition for writers? The best judged script for that year would be produced as the pantomime.

As a society, we have not given sufficient support to the arts in Jamaica, whether from a private sector standpoint or from the level of government. Let us recommit ourselves to restoring the Ward Theatre for 2014. The Ward Theatre has been instrumental in honing the skills of many of our luminaries in the field of theatre. By restoring the Ward Theatre we will provide more opportunities and space for those in the creative arts to showcase their creativity and talent. Democracy thrives with a variety of views and ideas instead of having a monopoly of ideas. I look forward to seeing this year's pantomime The Golden Macca Fat.

Wayne Campbell

waykam@yahoo.com

Talent 'nuff & plenty' for panto

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This Day in History - December 13

December 13, 2013, 3:00 am
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Today is the 347th day of 2013. There are 18 days left in the year.

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHT

1989: South African President F W de Klerk meets for the first time with imprisoned African National Congress leader Nelson Mandela, at de Klerk's office in Cape Town.

OTHER EVENTS

1577: Sir Francis Drake of England sets out with five ships on a nearly three-year journey that would take him around the world.

1789: Austrian Netherlands declares independence as Belgium.

1918: US President Woodrow Wilson arrives in France, becoming the first chief executive to visit Europe while in office.

1921: United States, Britain, France and Japan sign Washington Treaty to respect each other's rights over insular possessions in Pacific.

1928: George Gershwin's An American in Paris is publicly performed for the first time at Carnegie Hall in New York.

1937: Japanese troops take Nanking in China and proceed to massacre an estimated 300,000 Chinese civilians.

1967: Military government in Greece crushes countercoup, and King Constantine flees to Rome with his family.

1972: US Apollo 17 astronauts, on last US moon mission, unveil plaque dedicated to peace on lunar surface.

1974: Egypt demands 50-year freeze on Israel's population as condition for peace in Middle East.

1981: Communist authorities impose martial law in Poland to crush the Solidarity labour movement. Martial law formally ends in 1983.

1990: African National Congress President Oliver Tambo arrives in South Africa after 30 years in exile; US diplomats arrive in Frankfurt after four months holding out in the embassy in Kuwait City under Iraqi occupation.

1991: Leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan agree that they will join new Commonwealth of Independent States.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS

Heinrich Heine, German poet (1797-1856); Ernst Werner von Siemens, German engineer (1816-1892); Emily Carr, Canadian painter/writer (1871-1945); Carlos Montoya, Spanish-American flamenco guitarist (1903-1993); Christopher Plummer, Canadian-born actor (1929-); Dick Van Dyke, US actor (1925-); Steve Buscemi, US

actor (1957-)

— AP

This Day in History

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Keep building de Carteret

December 13, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

As a former head boy of de Carteret College, I would like to extend heartiest congratulations to my alma mater on being crowned the winners of this year's TVJ's All Together Sing choir competition.

This win has been long in coming and is well deserved. Our involvement in this competition has seen us being placed second on two occasions; the first being in 2009 when our sister school Black River High placed first, and in 2011 when we were outdone by Ardenne High School.

I hope that this victory will heighten school spirit, motivate alumni like myself to continue to serve our school in whatever location and vocation we may be, and demonstrate that by constant work, prayer, repeated effort and dedication, we can show the nation and the world that, at de Carteret College, we are always building. Aedificamus!

Markel Virgo

markel.virgo@gmail.com

Keep building de Carteret

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Don't forget the Finsac'd

December 13, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

The policies of the People's National Party in the 1990s destroyed the industrial base of the country and this resulted in the collapse of over 40,000 businesses, along with the migration of multinational corporations like Colgate-Palmolive.

Moreover, Finsac's debt accounted for over 40 per cent of GDP, and although the present Administration will never accept responsibility for the collapse of the financial sector, the data suggest otherwise.

For example, the then Administration liberalised the foreign exchange market without having adequate foreign exchange reserves to support this ill-advised decision; this created severe distortions within the market. Therefafter the Government resorted to buying US dollars in an attempt to build hard currency reserves. Being a weak economy, the market could not sustain such large inflows. This situation led to a growth in the supply of money, thereby creating inflation.

For example, the then Administration liberalised the foreign exchange market without having adequate foreign exchange reserves to support this ill-advised decision; this created severe distortions within the market. Therefafter the Government resorted to buying US dollars in an attempt to build hard currency reserves. Being a weak economy, the market could not sustain such large inflows. This situation led to a growth in the supply of money, thereby creating inflation.

Furthermore, the floating exchange system was poorly managed and the rapid depreciation of the dollar began in 1991. By the end of 1991 the dollar had depreciated by 79 per cent resulting in higher inflation and interest rates. The inflation rate for 1991 was 80.2 per cent, and by 1993 interest rates were over 90 per cent; businesses could only collapse in this environment. Despite all this, prominent members of this Administration have declared that their party had nothing to do with the demise of the financial sector.

It is quite ironic that this Administration claims to love the poor, but funding to the Finsac Commission has been reduced, and no one is being pressured to deliver the report. The Finsac Association of Entrepreneurs has been imploring the Government to pay greater attention to the issue, but the present Administration continues to treat the matter with scant regard. It can be concluded that the ruling party is not interested in the report, because it will expose them.

Portia Simpson Miller has accused the former Administration of being wicked and uncaring, but based on the Finsac issue, it is apt to say that the PNP is not only cruel, but also irresponsible. The PNP should deal with the FINSAC debacle in a transparent manner in order to prove that the party's mantra is not an empty political rhetoric.

Lipton Matthews

lo_matthews@yahoo.com

Don't forget the Finsac'd

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Serve, protect and Christmas lights

December 13, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

It's almost mid-December and the holiday season is on in earnest. However, given the austere economic times the nation now faces — some more than others — many are foregoing stringing up "pepper lights" and putting up Christmas trees. In light of rising electricity costs, the buzzword is being 'penny wise, not pound foolish'.

Imagine, then, my shock on a recent trip down Hope Road to see the Police Officers' Club fully decorated for optimal visual impact with what appeared to be thousands of lights.

Last time I checked, the government was indebted to the International Monetary Fund, public sector workers' wages are frozen, and Jamaica, land we love is not, in average estimation, in the healthiest of conditions.

So what explains the presence of this impressive light display when even commercial operators have opted to tone down or entirely do away with light displays given the prohibitive electricity costs?

Could the commissioner or police union kindly rationalise this electricity expenditure given that taxpayers pay for the operation of, and the salaries of police officers who frequent the club?

Clarence Dennis

St Andrew

Serve, protect and Christmas lights

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Words for Tessanne

December 13, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

Thanks to all who voted for Tessanne in her quest on The Voice.

But remember now, we have another 'river to cross', so we have to get 'stronger',we need her to live like 'royals,' so with a little 'redemption song'. If we 'try' love 'unconditionally,''underneath it all' we will build the 'bridge over troubled water' in order for her to win.

Tessanne all the way. She's the only voice I've heard... Taadou!!

W M Hibbert

mrshadez01@yahoo.com

Tessanne is through to the finals of The Voice (PHOTO: Paulo Crutchley)

Words for Tessanne

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'Sword in hand'

December 13, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

King David used a slingshot to defeat big Goliath.

What must we use to defend ourselves from 'wicked-hearted' criminals? A gun? An arrow? A spear or a javelin?

Seriously speaking, I believe that if some persons who have been killed by criminals had something to defend themselves some of them would b alive today.

Some years ago, a highly respected man of God, who was in his early 60s at the time, was approached by a lone gunman at his store. He had to shoot the gunman dead before the gunman could kill him. So, God delivered him and saved his life.

So then, the big question is should Christians carry guns?

If the answer is yes, is it be a no-confidence in God to protect them?

Many of us are familiar with these Bible verses: "No weapon formed against thee shall prosper," and "The steps of a righteous man are ordered by the Lord." But with so many doors already being kicked down, and people being killed like dogs, what protective devices do we have to stave off the assaults from these brutal wretches?

As humans with wavering faith and fate, and with the crime monster getting bigger and bigger than Goliath, and stronger and stronger than Samson, and wiser and wiser than the Government, we really have to wonder if the sword of faith is all we need.

Donald J McKoy

donaldmckoy2010@hotmail.com

'Sword in hand'

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Kudos to MoBay's Donald Chin

December 14, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere commendations to prominent Montego Bay chartered accountant and esteemed Lions Club of Montego Bay senior member, Donald Chin, whose vast contribution in those areas have been exceptional to say the least.

He has been an accountant for over 40 years and has operated one of the leading firms in Montego Bay for many decades with quite an extensive track record. Through hard work, dedication and extensive commitment to his profession he has excelled in the profession which has benefited corporate Western Jamaica immensely. He is undoubtedly one of the city's most respected accountants and deserves widespread felicitations.

He has been a Lions Club of Montego Bay member for over 35 years and has served the club well over the period. He has served this outstanding voluntary service Club in many positions over the years and has duly represented the club many times locally, regionally and internationally. He has dedicated much of his time free of cost and his own funds to many worthy projects within the city of Montego Bay. He has really been a substantial asset to the Lions Club and has always ensured that he devotes a tremendous amount of his time to serve the needy, poor and sick within the parish through the Club. I am very proud of him.

Donald Chin has served the city of Montego Bay very well over the decades and I wish him continued success in all his endeavours.

Robert Dalley

Montego Bay, St James

robertdalley1@hotmail.com

Kudos to MoBay's Donald Chin

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If we really want to honour Mandela

December 14, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

It has been heartening to read and hear the tributes paid by world leaders to that great man, Nelson Mandela. Likewise, the tributes here in Jamaica have been filled with passion and admiration for what this hero stood for, and the examples he set as a leader.

Our leaders should now take this time to reflect on the examples they themselves set and to the legacies that they will leave behind. Both the PNP's and JLP's leaders should be asking themselves whether the divisive politics they have practised for too long would have been condoned by this giant of a man.

Would he have smiled on political vindictiveness, victimisation and discrimination? I am sure the Sharpeville massacre, whereby 69 South Africans were slaughtered by the then-apartheid South African police, filled Mandela with pain and outrage, and similarly many of us Jamaicans, including our present leaders, were equally sickened by that piece of savagery.

It is therefore distressing that the killing of 72 Jamaicans by our security forces during the Tivoli incursion of October 2010 has not enraged our leaders to the point where they can initiate an inquiry after all this time. Can our PNP and JLP leaders truly espouse that they admire the values of a Nelson Mandela, especially his respect for human rights, and not try to live by those values, or are they just being hypocritical in their pronouncements?

So, as we lay to rest one of the world's greatest men, our leaders should now atone for their shortcomings in not enforcing the values that he stood for and promise to do better in the future. Probably, as a start, and as so many times previously recommended, a truth and reconciliation commission should be established whereby they can expose their misdeeds from Green Bay to Michael Gayle to Tivoli. Is it too much, for instance, to ask our honourable PM and Leader of the Opposition in their messages to the nation this Christmas and in honour of Nelson Mandela's memory to say to the families, friends, and relatives of those wrongfully killed or abused by the State over the years that they are outraged and sorry and promise that they will be their shield against such abuses? Certainly this would be the greatest single honour that could be paid to Nelson Mandela's legacy.

Colonel Allan Douglas

alldouglas@aol.com

If we really want to honour Mandela

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Declare doomsday for violent lyrics

December 14, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

In relating to our music and crime it is a scourge which needs to be curbed to ensure the safety of our nationals and visitors. The Senate-projected mandate to declare gun lyrics illegal is a move in the right direction. The legislative arm in the upper house has raised the discourse, should vicious lyrical content from our artistes be declared illicit and wrong?

I must concur with the senator who raised this most wonderful question of this archaic system of governance in the protection of the savagery of many musicians.

From a broader point of view, people who declare informers as ignoble are declared as wrongdoers because they are trying to uphold the constitutional rights of the citizens of this sunny isle. The things some people say in our society and get away with makes me cringe. Sometimes it is coming from persons the society holds in high regard. But if a man can come on national TV and declare that "informer fi dead" this is saying a lot about our inability to curb crime from the root. This easily tells me there are no forms of regard for the relevant protective machineries to ensure the safety of the fundamental rights of it citizenry.

Everything of national importance should be placed on the public lip for them to declare if it is right or wrong. Gun lyrics are among the main source of major crimes, along with movies, unlike what Damion Crawford has declared.

I am not speculating, there are many who are motivated by the gunplay. We need the Broadcasting Commission to work in tandem with the legislators and security forces to execute the doomsday for these violent lyrics. Schoolteachers too can play a tremendous role in teaching values and attitudes in some instances in their lessons to enhance our resolve.

We need to fix the criminal justice system and encourage everyone to embrace songs of upliftment like those of Tony Rebel or Culture. The musicians are strong influencers in our society, and if they are given the ammunition to encourage killing, plundering and and creating mayhem, they can.

Paris Taylor

Greater Portmore

paristaylor82@hotmail.com

Declare doomsday for violent lyrics

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A thrilling 2013 schoolboy football season

December 14, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

In my opinion, the 2013 ISSA schoolboy soccer season has to go down as one of the best organised and most thrilling sporting events put on by that body.

Over a week ago, for example, St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS), the pride of Santa Cruz, lifted the daCosta Cup by the widest margin of victory in a rural area final since the dawn of the 21st century. This is the same STETHS that reached the daCosta Cup finals four times in five years with back-to-back losses in-between and two victories sandwiching them. This is the same school that has set a record in winning four Ben Francis championships in a row. STETHS also produced the record-breaking schoolboy scorer of 35 goals in a season -- a feat which earned him a call to the national senior squad.

But when it comes on to sheer excitement on a higher level, pride of place goes to the Corporate Area champions -- Jamaica College and Wolmers. In their quest to cop the Corporate Area double the boys from Heroes Circle first had to beat the defending Manning Cup champions St George's College. This they did after a 120-minute thriller which saw eight goals shared equally between the two giants. Penalties had to separate them with Wolmer's coming out on top with the odd goal in seven.

They were now the firm favourites to get the better of Jamaica College in the finals a week later; but after another thriller, this time after an inexplicable 130 minutes; the boys from Hope Road came from behind to grab the Manning Cup with both hands for a record 25 times. Wolmer's, on the other hand, with the sons of former national players Milverton Brooks and Lennie Hyde, had snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. This was not the first time that the Manning Cup champions were putting on a Houdini act. Against Charlie Smith they came from two goals down to win 4-2. The magical victory brought tears to the eyes of their new coach Miguel Coley. Later Charlie Smith scored the fastest goal in history against Wolmer's with one kick from the half line.

For sheer excitement and moments of magic, not to mention old records broken and new records set, the 2013 schoolboy football season is unforgettable. After the disappointment of the Reggae Boyz's failure to make it to Brazil next year, football fans could not have asked for a better consolation prize. On behalf of the real football fans and those called waggonists, congrats to ISSA, and to JC for becoming the new all-Island Olivier champs.

D P Zagalo

Kingston 8

A thrilling 2013 schoolboy football season

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Mere formality?

December 16, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

Friday's (December 13, 2013) joint sitting of Parliament paid tribute to the deceased great South African leader, Nelson Mandela. This was done right after the PM so aptly represented us at the memorial in Johannesburg, South Africa.

As reported, 21 senators and MPs lauded a deserving man. However, the question on my mind is whether this was mere formality or a façade. Do they really know the true meaning of Mandela's life and struggles. We know what Mandela stood for, he was a strong supporter of equality. And yet, while these 21 spoke eloquently in the Parliament of Madiba, there were several young men living in the gullies not far from there.

Successive administrations have been reluctant to put any motion before the Parliament to abolish the antiquated buggery law. This law and the constant utterances of homophobia have forced many young men on the streets of Kingston. How different is this from the apartheid law that Mandela stood against?

Mandela, as president of a democratic South Africa, ushered in a new constitution which included protection from discrimination based on sexual orientation. So, while the Parliament continues to ignore the human dignity of LGBT in Jamaica, persons living with HIV/AIDS and persons living with disabilities, the same Parliament pays tribute to a man that advocated for these persons.

As we continue to celebrate the life of Nelson Mandela, we must never lose sight of the fact that he also stood up against structures that discriminate. We must attempt to walk the shadow of Mandela's full legacy if we truly mean to pay him homage.

Ralston Chamberlain

ralston.chamberlain@alum.utoronto.ca

Mere formality?

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Obama's handshake

December 16, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

It was indeed noticeable that before he delivered his eloquent eulogy at Nelson Mandela's memorial, President Obama shook hands with his political 'opponent', Raul Castro, Cuba's president.

This was certainly a noble gesture for the American president to stretch forth his hand as a seeming symbol of reconciliation with Cuba. This was a civil act in keeping with the ideal of reconciliation that Mandela advocated.

The naysayers may say that President Obama's handshake was a sign of approval for Cuba's oppressive political policy. But it must be remembered that, in his eulogy, Obama castigated Cuba and other undemocratic and repressive states when he said: "There are too many leaders who claim solidarity with Madiba's struggle for freedom, but do not tolerate dissent from their own people."

Let's hope, however, that Mandela's ideal of forgiveness and reconciliation will become a reality among world leaders.

Rupert Johnson

Toronto, Canada

r.b.johnson@sympatico.ca

Obama's handshake

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Well done, Mandela

December 16, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

This is my personal tribute to the courageous mountain-mover; the one who took up the mantle of the Good Samaritan -- Nelson Mandela.

He was the brave soldier; a real champion, genuine, faithful, tolerant, and courageous. He should go down into the Guinness record book as one of the best leaders and freedom fighters the world has seen.

He was not imposing in stature, but he was strikingly tallawah, with a big, brave heart. He was like a man who walked on a tightrope in ending apartheid in South Africa, so that blacks and whites could be united. He truly and wholeheartedly deserves all the credit, praise, honour, and resounding applause that has been showered on him.

The life of Nelson Mandela was fraught with demonstrations of humility, fate, patience, and hard work. A man who put his faith in action; a man who put his life on the line and has passed the hazardous test with flying colours.

He spent 27 years in prison and he did not kill anyone, while some who have their hands soaked in blood walk free.

Well done, Nelson Mandela, you have fought the good fight. It remains very hard to find a human being of your quality in these flying, fast-paced days.

May your soul rest in sweet, perfect peace.

Donald J Mckoy.

donaldmckoy2010@hotmail.com

Well done, Mandela

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A beacon of Tulloch passes

December 17, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

It was with deep regret I learnt on the weekend of the death of my Grade 5A teacher at Tulloch Primary School, Mrs Enid Reece.

Mrs Reece, who died at the age of 93, was one of those teachers of the 1970s whose primary objective was to ensure that her students learn, despite their socio-economic circumstances. She had a great impact on the lives of a number of children, several of whom are now outstanding professionals here in Jamaica and the Diaspora.

From my batch are people like Bertland O'Connor, now a senior superintendent of police and attorney-at-law; Lorraine Peart (nee Creary), a successful pharmacist, Coleen Woodburn and Veronica Coghill, among others. — I hope I will be forgiven for those I left out.

The community of Tulloch — located just outside of Bog Walk — had, I believe, some of the best teachers and, like Mrs Reece, my Grade 1 teacher, Mrs Irving (now deceased); Mrs Chambers (now deceased), Grade 2; Mrs Hunter, Grade 3; Mrs Harriot, Grade 4; and Mrs Williams, Grade 6, all had an influence on my life and I am sure on those of countless others.

Rest well, Mrs Reece.

Pete Sankey, MA

Journalist

sankeyp496@yahoo.com

A beacon of Tulloch passes

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Save our open spaces

December 17, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

The recent invitation for bids on housing development on King's House lands again brings into focus the need for a proper open space policy for the country.

Our cities are being reduced to ugly ramshackle conglomerations of buildings devoid of properly planned and maintained parks and open spaces.

It is my humble suggestion that a moratorium be placed on the sale of large government-owned tracts in the urban areas, until the many ugly rundown properties have been re-developed. Land, once developed, will more than likely remain that way for a long time.

The Ministry of Environment should spearhead public discussion on this important issue before we make more irreversible decisions. We should guard our existing open spaces fiercely.

Douglas Stiebel

Architect

stiebel.douglas@gmail.com

Save our open spaces

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Fighting crime not rocket science

December 17, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

The recent murders in St James are further proof that Peter Bunting's dependence on divine intervention is putting our lives in serious jeopardy. His announcement of a decrease in murders, from 5 to 3 per day, provided comfort only to him and his heavily guarded colleagues.

Meanwhile, DNA and anti-gang legislations, that are critical to effective crime fighting, have been placed on the back burner, while the Government focuses all the attention on the IMF Bills.

Our leaders lack the will to tame the vicious crime monster that is threatening to overcome us all. The criminals must have rolled on the ground laughing at the minister of national security's proposed banning of music with violent lyrics as a crime-fighting measure. Since then, they have murdered 20 more.

Mr Bunting needs to wake up and acknowledge the type of hardened criminals that he is dealing with. For crime to come down he needs to do a few things:

1. The police force needs to be upgraded to an efficient, knowledgeable, professional body. They need to be given technical support, namely a functional 119 system, vehicles, closed-circuit television, and cellphone tracking capabilities.

2. The director of public prosecutions needs to be given an established deadline to bring cases to court and be given enough support staff to do same.

3. The justice system needs an overall. An efficient night court system can help to clear the backlog of cases in addition to the hiring of new professionals and para-professionals to help with case mediation.

4. An efficient and professional penal system is big deterrent to crime. Criminals should not feel like they are on vacation to get fat and rosy in our prisons. On the other hand, our prisons should not be a hotbed for human rights violations. 5) The above points all have opportunities for employment, which will go a long way to curing the social ills that plague us.

While reducing crime in any society is not easy, it is not rocket science.

A Graham

shaedye@gmail.com

Fighting crime not rocket science

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Don't white-wash Mandela's history

December 17, 2013, 3:00 am
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Dear Editor,

Why is the history of Mandela being white-washed?

He was a visionary, he had a grand project. He was political. He had an avid sense of strategic timing. Yet he wasn't Machiavellian. He was loved. His vision ran through his life.

He was distinguished and had an vast love for his people and for the project of establishing a non-racial and non-sexist South Africa.

It seems suprising, however, that no one remembers that he spoke out against the current regime in Palestine?

How is it no one has really highlighted how Mandela vigorously defended all of whom supported him in his battle against apartheid. For decades, Cuba supported the struggle in South Africa. In 1961, when Che Guevara attended a summit in Geneva, as industry minister, he attacked "the inhuman and fascist policy of apartheid" and demanded the expulsion of South Africa from the UN, all decades before Britain could bring itself to challenge the racist government.

In the 1988 battle of Cuito Cuanvale, a victory celebrated across southern Africa, South African soldiers were defeated by a volunteer Cuban army, dragging PW Botha and FW de Klerk to the negotiating table.

Mandela described Cuba "friend", a country which "helped us train our people, who gave us resources that helped us so much in our struggle". He added: "The defeat of the racist army at Cuito Cuanavale has made it possible for me to be here today. What other country can point to a record of greater selflessness than Cuba has displayed in its relations with Africa?

Mandela was on the US terrorism watch list until some years ago, when then-President George W Bush signed a Bill removing Mandela from it. Obama is yet to oblige Marcus Mosiah Garvey similar courtesies.

South Africa's apartheid regime designated Mandela's African National Congress (ANC) a terrorist organisation for its battle against the nation's system of racial segregation that lasted from 1948 to 1994.

Former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher also described Mandela's ANC as a "typical terrorist organisation" in 1987, refusing to impose sanctions on South Africa's apartheid regime. President Ronald Reagan did as well.

Madiba was a man willing to speak the truth and let the world know what was truly right. He rose above the bitterness. He was unselfish and could reach out to his enemies and cross many divides. He was eminent because he was the great unifier. In many ways he was the designer of the New South Africa and a modern international morality. Will we let history be written by those who would have oppressed him?

Yannick Nesta Pessoa

yannickpessoa@yahoo.com

Don't white-wash Mandela's history

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