Jamaica Observer

Dear Editor,

As of Tuesday, April 1, 2014, the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) has reclaimed or taken over the sub-franchise routes in the Kingston Metropolitan Region. All other buses have had to apply and pay for a licence to travel these routes and they also have to paint their buses yellow in accordance with the JUTC regulations.

This has created many issues for commuters and bus operators alike. Many persons are wary of the new system as they are not sure it will succeed. The bus operators are angry because they are being taken off their regular routes and are being forced to pay an obscene amount of money to license and repaint their buses.

The takeover went as planned and already commuters are expressing anger at the new system. Many persons were late for work and school as they had to wait a long time for a bus. They complain that the buses on some of the routes are inefficient. Many persons could be seen arguing (with themselves) as they waited for over an hour for a JUTC bus to arrive.

Another serious issue with the JUTC retaking some routes is the fact that commuters taking illegal taxis can now be fined up to $100,000! Now this is what grabbed my attention. It seems a bit extreme to fine commuters for taking robot taxis. We all know how Jamaica is, and we have seen many of these systems come and go, so we all have very little faith that this new system will succeed.

I personally do not have a problem with the JUTC trying to establish a new system where all drivers and conductors have to be uniformed, etc. I applaud them, in fact, as I have always hated taking these buses and being hassled by three or four men collecting fares. However, what needs to happen is for the JUTC buses to travel more frequently so people do not have to wait forever.

The fine for taking robot taxis is completely ridiculous, in my opinion, and they seriously need to revisit the drawing board because this can potentially cause havoc within the country. Another major problem is the fact that hundreds, and maybe thousands of people depend on these Coaster buses and taxis for employment. Jamaica's employment rate is already way too low as it is and so to create more unemployed people is a recipe for disaster. Yes, the robot taxis are illegal, but they are more reliable than the JUTC buses and provide employment for many.

I am all for improvement in our transportation system, but we need to ensure the new system is foolproof before we get rid of the old one. At the moment, the JUTC is being blinded by the profit they will make with this new plan and so they cannot see the problem which will arise. Tell us what is going to happen to all those drivers and conductors who are being taken off their routes. Not everyone will be granted a licence to travel the new routes, as there is only a specific number available. Also, get the buses to travel more regularly and find a solution for all the unemployed people being created; then, and only then, can we express full confidence in this plan.

Kenisha Williams

kenishawilliams499@gmail.com

JUTC running risk of creating a disaster

-->

Dear Editor,

Who will speak on behalf of the poor? I am willing to do so.

As a Jamaican, do I have a right to freedom of speech? Am I free to kick against certain measures that are put in place?

Mercy is pleading for the poor, but are we freely giving mercy a chance to have its way? I doubt it very much. The seat of mercy is readily available, but no one seems willing to sit in it in order to aid the less fortunate.

It pains my heart to see so many people who have tried to get their visa and have been turned down, again and again.

I believe those who are not successful should be refunded 50 per cent of the visa application fee. Paying $14,000-odd and not being granted the visa is hard to bear; and some people make five or six attempts.

Money doesn't come easily. It's not like when you go to the bush to pick up some sweet locust.

Send mercy.

Donald J McKoy

donaldmckoy2010@hotmail.com

Mercy for visa applicants

-->

Dear Editor,

Many people, including myself, are very disgruntled, disgusted, upset, and even angry at the fact that, as a country, we don't act on issues as soon as they come up. Someone has to either get hurt or lose their life before some kind of action is taken.

If a bridge is there obviously in need of repairs, it does not matter how the residents ask for help because that is where their children take their journey to and from school each day. All they will get is promises.

When a child falls through one of the cracks in the bridge that is when work begins. Out of the blue they will come up with the money. Many people could be alive today if action to get some issues resolved was taken with some kind of urgency.

Keisha Marie Rhoden

kmrhoden52@gmail.com

Why must we wait before we act?

-->

Dear Editor,

Another great Champs, with spectacular performances and proud moments. But, for the true connoisseurs of schoolboy/ schoolgirl athletics, there was one disappointment. Missing was that time-honoured institution from the East -- the Sprint Factory: Camperdown High School.

The younger fans may not know, but Camperdown, particularly under the handling of master coach Glen Mills, used to reliably turn out from that hallowed ground the toast of sprinting at Boys' Champs year after year.

I am certainly no guru on Champs history, and must be careful not to stir controversy, but as I remember it, Don and Eddie Quarrie pioneered that fine heritage. This I understand began under the charge of an elderly little gentlemen whom I met and spoke with in the late 70s or early 80s, who was then living in Edgewater, and who as I remember had intimated that Eddie had been perhaps the naturally fastest of the Quarrie brothers.

Then came the hallowed Mills years, honing his skills with the "production" of a cadre of fine sprinters who were fabulous to watch, all in signature form, just tapping the Chevron to snatch individual races and especially relays from the then dominant KC and the emerging Calabar. Among them were the younger Quarrie brothers, Peter Hibbert, and of course Raymond Stewart.

So celebrated was the quality of that "machinery" that it is reported that when Ray Stewart went overseas on scholarship he was described by the coaches there as an already complete sprinter. His success as a schoolboy Olympian is a well-established part of our athletics history.

I am a Calabar old boy and, as aspiring athletes in 1974-75, we had opportunity to train at times on the Stadium track. Most of us did not really know Glen Mills at the time, but so revered was his work and reputation even then, that the sons of our own great Olympian and coach who introduced us to him would respectfully refer to Mr Mills as "coach".

This is thus an open appeal to Glen Mills that, despite what must be a near-packed professional coaching schedule, he etch out some time to again become involved in the athletics development programme to "refurbish" and restore that once-proud institution from the Orient. We the sentimental miss the Camperdown red and blue racers to again excite the throngs of crazy fans at the Stadium.

Home needs you, master coach Mills. Please find the time to go and "father" them again.

Donald Wray

docwraythinktankup@gmail.com

'Sprint Factory' missing from Champs

-->

Dear Editor,

A few months ago I had the pleasure of spending a day at Winnifred Beach outside Port Antonio. Much to my surprise, the beach was open to the public free of charge. Can you imagine how shocked I was when not faced with a government ticket office and a $400 entry fee? I was even more surprised after learning that this immaculately kept jewel was cared for by the community.

Winnifred Beach is a Jamaican treasure. I was not surprised when I was informed by one of the vendors that the Urban Development Corporation, which has never seen a public beach that it didn't want to control, has been of the opinion that cottages and concrete would enhance the environment. Winnifred Beach attracts tourists as well as locals who find the tranquillity of the area invigorating. I saw families who had no desire to ride disturbing watercraft, who enjoyed the delicious food provided by the vendors, and who did not miss the loud music at some other locations. Any attempt by the UDC to cover the area in concrete will result in the loss of tourists who return year after year with families and who stay in small local cottages outside the beach area.

This is the type of tourism we should be encouraging. The people of Port Antonio, Portland, and the rest of Jamaica should do everything to keep Winnifred Beach the way it is, except for adequate bathroom facilities and a paved road to the beach. No longer should we sit silently while our beaches are confiscated for tourists and elite Jamaicans only.

R Oscar Lofters

lofters1@aol.com

Kingston 5

Protect the tranquillity of Winnifred Beach

-->

Dear Editor,

Jamaica still has a strong judicial system and faith has been restored in it.

While Vybz Kartel has been referred to as 'The Teacha' and the Worl' Boss, no decent, well-thinking person would want him to teach anyone for whom they cared. There is only one world boss and that is God the Almighty.

Vybz Kartel refers to his camp as Gaza. Does he know where Gaza is? He wouldn't be able to survive in any Arab country as his behaviour wouldn't be tolerated there.

The young people who listen to his music needs to look into themselves and the behaviour depicted, as that is not the right road to be on. No one is untouchable nor above the law, and this message was sent loud and clear. Once you commit a crime and it is proven, you are to do the time. He has time now to reflect on his life, do some introspection and turn his life around. His co-accused need to look into themselves as well.

Vybz Kartel went to a good school, Calabar, where he had the possibility of becoming a productive member of the society; but he chose the wrong road. The message must be sent that no proceeds must be used to finance the dead man's family as this option was mentioned at one point, as this is setting a bad precedent because if this is done people can believe that it is OK to commit these crimes.

Claudette Harris

claudetteharris68@gmail.com

There is only one world boss

-->

Dear Editor,

Just as I expected Adidja Palmer, aka Vybz Kartel, was sentenced for a very long stay with his greatest admirers.

I am glad it's over as I became tired of hearing different angles and testimonies that went around the world, although important. Tom Tavares-Finson's juggling act and the pitiful party outside the court gates annoyed me much.

However, there are few things I want to point out with the judicial system in Jamaica. This trial was the longest I have ever seen. Even when Justice Campbell attempted to put his foot down towards its completion, it just went on.

But what of a trial for the Kern Spencer light bulb case, the X6 murder incident or the Cash Plus fiasco? Every day we hear of them being put off, not enough evidence, something new is found, or nothing at all. There are others waiting for justice also. I am getting annoyed with the surprises in these outstanding national issues.

Then there are Mr Palmer's supporters calling for the court to 'free Worl' Boss'. Are these people so blinded to what they like about the deejay that they can't see he has now been sentenced to life imprisonment for the killing of Clive Williams? Is he so great that he can't commit a crime? Is he invincible? Why then would the police have arrested him so long ago if they didn't find anything? Evidence doesn't lie and cannot be hid.

No juror in his/her right mind, after all that time, energy and evidence, would really free 'di teacha'. I really hope the jurors get good money to compensate them for their patience.

For the defence, I do hope they don't waste the time to appeal, because no sensible judge would reopen the case for another Gaza drama series.

Some Jamaicans only see what they want to see all the time. They never see the moral and good way of behaving. But which society is perfect? The problem is that these people make us look foolish internationally.

As citizens who love their country and want it to prosper it is going to take a lot to change the mindset of some of us Jamaicans to improve our lives and this country. For too long we have allowed foolishness to step in the way of good morals and common sense. Mr Palmer, who has the last laugh? Aha.

Colette Campbell

rastarjamaica@yahoo.com

It's finally over

-->

Dear Editor,

There is an important lesson that we can learn from the 2014 Schools' Challenge Quiz Finals. Over the 45-year history Campion College entered from time to time and ended up giving mediocre performances, although they have had a tremendous pool of talent from which to draw.

I was told, years ago, by a very reliable source that they decided not to enter regularly because they could not find anyone who had been willing to take on the responsibility of coaching the team with the dedication it required. This is not a flattering commentary on the staff at Campion at that time. Campion has now apparently remedied the problem.

I was told, years ago, by a very reliable source that they decided not to enter regularly because they could not find anyone who had been willing to take on the responsibility of coaching the team with the dedication it required. This is not a flattering commentary on the staff at Campion at that time. Campion has now apparently remedied the problem.

If they continue to develop the programme they should be among the top-seeded schools for a long time and will likely win the competition a few times. They were beaten in the finals by Kingston College, a school which has a tremendous support system from alumni who give not only cash and kind, but time. Over the years, people like Ian Wilkinson, past president of the Jamaica Bar Association, and Stephen Vassianne, now Jamaica's ambassador to the US, have found time to be coaches. This has enabled them to prepare excellent teams without having to recruit from elsewhere. As Douglas Orane said in a letter to the press a few weeks ago, the alumni of schools can make a big difference. He is now involved in mentoring a form at his alma mater, and mine, Wolmer's. The presence of such high achievers in our schools to act as role models and share their experience with students is very important, as we teachers are not always the best role models for many of them. KC has built an enviable reputation as being highly competitive in everything they do. Although, while I served as coach of Manchester High we managed to get the better of them on two of the four occasions in which we met during the competition, they were always the team to beat. As a KC team member once said to a female member of one of my teams, 'KC boys always rise to the occasion'.

What we can learn is the importance of giving our students the kind of support systems they need, whether it is in academic matters or sports. We also need to provide such support for the ordinary students and not just the stars.

R Howard Thompson

Mandeville

howardthompson507@yahoo.com.

See what schools can do with support

-->

Dear Editor,

I remember a few years back Edward Seaga said that the government is like a woman on her back awaiting any big business to come along and do with her what they please. Even though he took a lot of critism for his statement, it holds true then and now even more than ever.

I, like many Jamaicans today, feel the same way. We toil for the elusive dollar only to be told that the silver shekels we earn and spend don't count. It's just the people who spend gold doubloons that matter.

Well, I am tired and I am here to say my little bit counts. I will not be bullied. I just won't go quietly into the night, I will be counted. And I am sure if I look I can find a lot of us small people you have shafted that would join me in saying we want to be counted, we want to be respected.

Wayne Alexander Holtham

Concerned citizen

I will be counted

-->

Dear Editor,

"Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master." -— George Washington

The odd thing about slavery was that blacks were never able to question the authority of their superiors, but with the demise of such a system you would believe that modern-day descendants of slaves would honour the right to express an intelligent opinion. Unfortunately, this is not the situation in Jamaica.

Slavery may have ended, but politicians and their bureaucrats have become the new feudal lords. The recent decision of the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) to reclaim sub-franchise routes is seen by many as a policy to create an orderly system. However, that is not the underlying rationale for the company's decision.

Well-thinking Jamaicans have no problem with a more transparent transport system, for example the move to ensure that registered operators will be required to wear an official uniform and display identification cards along with their bus routes is a step in the right direction. However, the reclamation of sub-franchise routes is a step too far.

The JUTC is a loss-making State agency and by seeking to control these routes the company is expected to increase its profitability. A company like the JUTC, losing some $250 million a month, would be forced to reinvent itself or become obsolete in the private sector. If the JUTC cannot invent creative ways to improve its competitiveness, then it must be divested. The agency cannot aim to become successful by eliminating competition, and if that's the only option of the company then its time for it to exit the market. Furthermore, the customer service of the State-owned entity is third-rate, after all no serious consumer wants to wait for hours to get a bus or be disrespected by rude employees.

Also by reclaiming sub-franchise routes, the State is destroying the livelihood of several private operators who will now find it very difficult to eke out a living in a weak economy. If a private company had decided to purchase smaller businesses, then that entity would receive significant backlash for restricting the choice of consumers, but we seem to have no problem with Government's force.

Slavery no longer exists, but many of us have subjected ourselves to Government dictates without rationally assessing their impact on our lives.

Lipton Matthews

lo_matthews@yahoo.com

Gov't used its force to take over sub-franchise

-->

Dear Editor,

Imagine if you had a loved one on the Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 which 'vanished' on March 8, 2014. The emotional toll on the families has been heart-rending as seen from footage on television.

As human beings we are not immune to crisis. In fact, from the moment we are born we enter a crisis-filled world. It is imperative that we develop coping skills to deal with the inevitability of crisis. Crisis counselling provides us with direct and action-oriented approaches to help find resources within ourselves to deal with crisis.

Four of the most common types of crisis include: Developmental Crisis, which takes place in the normal flow of human growth and development, for example, the birth of a child and retirement. Secondly, Situational Crisis which happens when unpredictable and extraordinary events occur, for example, an automobile accident or loss of job. The third most common type of crisis is Existential Crisis, which includes inner conflicts and anxieties that accompany important human issues of purpose, responsibility, independence and commitment, for example, realising at age 50 that one has wasted one's life. Finally, there is Ecosystemic Crisis, which occurs when some natural or human-caused disaster overtakes a person, such as the aftermath of an event that may adversely affect virtually every member of the environment in which they live, for example, a hurricane or a tsunami.

While there are a number of different treatment models, there are common elements consistent among the various theories of crisis counselling. These include assessing the situation: listening to the client, asking questions and determining what the individual requires to effectively cope with the crisis. A second element is education. Individuals who are experiencing a crisis need information about their condition and the steps they can take to minimise the damage. The third element of crisis counselling is that of offering support, this can help reduce stress and improve coping skills. The fourth element is that of developing coping skills.

It is very painful for the families of those passengers of flight MH370, more so since there is no concrete evidence on if, how and where the flight actually went down. Many family members are in a state of denial and will be so until some physical proof is given alongside the theory that the plane crashed into the ocean. The family of passengers on Flight MH370 will require long-term crisis counselling in order to cope with the untimely death of their loved ones.

Let us continue to pray for the families so that they too might find peace.

Wayne Campbell

waykam@yahoo.com

www.wayaine.blogspot.com

Crisis counselling the only hope for MH370 families

-->

Dear Editor,

The Jamaica Coalition for Tobacco Control notes with concern the recent advertising campaign by the tobacco industry in the print and electronic media in relation to the Tobacco Control Regulations (2013). Advertising by the tobacco industry is banned in the electronic media with good reason. And, until recently, there was a voluntary agreement by the tobacco industry in relation to the print media. This has detrimentally fallen by the wayside. The tobacco industry is now very disingenuously placing these advertisements under the guise of providing information about the tobacco control regulations while in reality it is using the opportunity to promote products which kill at least half of its regular users.

Our children are exposed to and are influenced by these methods of advertising and they should be protected from being encouraged to start this harmful, life-threatening and addictive habit. The NCDA Global Youth Tobacco Survey showed that 59.8 per cent of youth aged 15 years and under had seen pro-cigarette ads on billboards in the past 30 days, and 54 per cent had seen ads in newspapers or magazines. The majority of smokers start smoking before the legal age of 18 years old. The younger a person is when they begin smoking the more likely they are to become addicted to nicotine.

The Government of Jamaica has a responsibility to protect the health of the public and we stand by the minister and his team at the Ministry of Health as they steadfastly continue to implement the Tobacco Control Regulations (2013). One of the objectives of these regulations is to protect smokers and non-smokers from exposure to the harmful effects of second-hand smoke. In other countries, where smoking in public places has been banned, there has been a significant reduction in tobacco-related illnesses. We look forward in the near future to legislation, in keeping with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which will ban advertising, promotion and sponsorship by the tobacco industry as we work towards stemming death and disability from this major risk factor for cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and chronic lung disease.

Knox Hagley

Chairman

Jamaica Coalition for Tobacco Control

kehag@yahoo.com

Concerned about ads from tobacco industry

-->

Dear Editor,

From time to time we hear a lot of people complain about how our politicians conduct themselves in Parliament. Many times, we hear how their behaviour has brought us shame. Now, while it may be true that some of our parliamentarians may get a little bit out of control, they are not all that bad.

We need to understand that these politicians were sent to Parliament by us to represent us. Many of them will argue that they have very strong feelings about some of the issues that come up from time to time. As such, their seeming aggressiveness is actually their way of making sure that our interests are properly represented.

If we think our parliamentarians are bad we should look at what happens in other countries, some much more developed than us. In the Indian parliament recently, some members were actually pepper-sprayed by one member who thought that his shouting wasn't enough. In Jordan, a member actually fired his AK-47 in parliament!

Recently in Venezuela, a dispute in parliament developed into a fist and kicking fight, leaving several members injured. Parliamentary fighting is not uncommon in Taiwan, where injured members often end up in hospital. In one case, a female parliamentarian who swallowed a bill in an attempt from stop it becoming law almost had her hair pulled out by angry colleagues.

Korean parliamentarians routinely give each other kung fu lessons. The problems with Ukraine aren't just on its borders with Russia, Ukraine actually has earned the title of the country with one of the most fights in her parliament anywhere in the world — complete with rotten eggs and smoke bombs.

There have been parliamentary punching matches in Turkey, Georgia, Macedonia, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Thailand, just to name a few. Did you know that some parliaments around the world actually have ambulances on standby to ferry the injured members to hospital after each session? So let's give our parliamentarians some credit. We know that when some of them open their mouths they make us laugh our heads off. Others make us wonder how they got there, and some defy all understanding altogether. But at least they don't get physical. This must count for something; shouldn't it?

Michael A Dingwall

michael_a_dingwall@hotmail.com

Our parliamentarians aren't the worst

-->

Dear Editor,

An article was published on March 28, 2014 entitled 'DCS to decide if Kartel can record while incarcerated' and it has become a very controversial issue among the populace. Some are of the view that this should not be allowed while others disagree.

I sincerely believe that we in Jamaica maintain a lot of double standards. Many were not against Jah Cure (Sycatore Alcock) recording while he was incarcerated yet they are against Vybz Kartel. Many of us, including myself, believe the lyrical content of Vybz Kartel's music is very inappropriate and it affects the society in one way or another. However, I think we should be fair in our judgements. If we have a standard it should be maintained right across the board; therefore, it is unfair then to consent to one artiste recording while incarcerated.

In the article, Justice Campbell stated that: "In a previous matter, when a person was convicted had some artistic talent certain things were done. It needs to be found out whether, in fact, it was open to the court for any of those proceeds gained could go to repairing any of the damage to the relatives of the deceased." Should it be allowed based on this premise? What if the lyrical content was closely monitored, can we then say it should be allowed?

Let us be realistic and not allow emotions to cloud our judgement. I must express that he was indeed found guilty and certain rights and privileges should be stripped from him which include recording music. However, this discussion is indicative of the bias and double standard that is rampant in our society. Because one may reason that the privilege should have been stripped from Jah Curre, but it was not. Just critiquing not criticising.

Kenroy Davis

kenroy_davis13@yahoo.com

If it's good for Cure, it's good for the Boss

-->

Dear Editor,

The content of a Sunday Observer article of April 6, 2014, entitled 'Night of terror: 12-y-o among two killed as gunmen attack residents in West Kgn' is much cause for concern.

I sympathise with the mother. I cannot begin to think what she is going through. The nation needs to stop and do a thorough introspection. Our future is in serious danger! It seems today that within the scope and framework of our society, education has no value, life has no worth, respect and love seems to be lost among the majority and justice is as a deceased person.

I cannot fathom that what I have been seeing and hearing is actually reality. How is it that a group of gunmen is able to simply open fire on people without a cause? How is it that they kill a 17-month-old baby and, in act of revenge, others seek to take the life of another? Are we so ignorant that we cannot understand that killing our nation's children means that we are killing our future?

The article mentioned that Member of Parliament Desmond McKenzie said "the death of the child brought to eight the number of children shot dead by criminals since violence erupted between warring factions in 2012. He also said the nine-year-old, who remains in hospital battling for his life, was the 31st child shot and injured by criminals over the period."

More needs to be done to protect our nation's children. They are the future. Most, if not all of us, can concur that there are many dysfunctions within our society. But, with all the solutions that have been proposed, where is the evidence of the improvements? Are we a country that loves to talk without it being supported by action?

If this trajectory continues, what will become of our future? How are we to achieve Vision 2030 under these conditions? How can Jamaica be the place to raise families when children continue to be victims of senselss acts? If our children are not safe, then our future is not safe. If our children are not protected, then our future is not protected.

I am not going to suggest any one thing as a panacea to the dysfunctions within our society. But I urge parents, teachers, communities, and leaders to do whatever they can to protect our children. When our forefathers were fighting and losing their lives for our freedom, I refuse to conceive that this is the Jamaica they envisioned. What has become of our national pledge, doesn't it say "in the service of my fellow citizens". Our mentality needs to be transformed and the nonsensical killings must stop!

Kenroy Davis

Clark's Town

kenroy.davis20@gmail.com

We are killing our future

-->

Dear Editor,

Although I have already personally commended the presidents of the Jamaica Exporters' Association and Jamaica Manufacturers' Association on an outstanding Expo Jamaica 2014, I wish to do so publicly and to place on record JAMPRO's delight at the successful staging of this event.

I also wish to place on record the commendation of the board of JAMPRO to President Diane Edwards and her team for leading the Herculean effort to secure the registration of over 600 buyers up from the approximately 325 who attended the Expo in 2012.

Quite rightly, when things go wrong we must demand better. Equally when things go right we must offer praise where praise is due, and in the process encourage those who have achieved to do even better. So hats off to presidents Brian Pengelley and Marjory Kennedy and their hard-working teams!

Now to the task of securing the deals arising from this exceptional showcasing and presentation of Jamaican talent, innovation and productivity. No doubt, Jamaica's business prospects and profile benefited greatly from a well planned and executed Expo Jamaica 2014.

Milton Samuda

Chairman

Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO)

Hats off to the hard-working Expo Jamaica 2014 team

-->

Dear Editor,

I am a concerned Jamaican who recently attended the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys' and Girls' Championship on Saturday, March 29, 2014. As the day progressed, at around 4:00 pm it was brought to my attention that the security guards were ordered to close the gate in order to prevent more patrons from entering the National Stadium.

To questioning they replied that the fire brigade stated that the National Stadium had surpassed its capacity. As a result paid patrons were prevented from entering the National Stadium to watch the championships. Any venue such as the National Stadium has to know the stipulated maximum capacity. This is not the first year that the National Stadium has been full to capacity.

I must, therefore, ask the following questions:

1) Is it the practice of organisers such as ISSA to print more tickets than the venue’s capacity with the hope that not all persons who purchase tickets will attend the event?

2) How do organisers account for complementary attendants, officials, participants who later occupy seats after participating?

3) What controls are put in place at the gates, by ISSA, to ensure that legitimate tickets are used to provide entry.

4) How does the fire department determine that the maximum capacity has been reached; is it by mere visual estimation or are there counters at each point of entry recording the number of attendees?

5) For persons who purchased tickets and were prevented from entering the National Stadium, how will they be reimbursed? I am recommending that an audit be conducted to determine how many tickets ISSA printed each day to determine if it was incongruent with the venue's capacity, taking into account the complementary passes, the participants, officials, etc.

And an audit be conducted into the controls implemented by ISSA to ensure that legitimate ticket holders are not disenfranchised from entering the venue. The Consumer Affairs Commission should investigate the situation.

Rashaun S

St Andrew

Dear Editor,

In 2010, a few months before the start of the World Cup games in South Africa, the residents of Dublin Castle in Gordon Town, St Andrew, suddenly stopped receiving signal for CVM TV. A public service announcement informed us that they were upgrading their transmission system. Well, subsequent to the ‘upgrade’ we have not been able to view CVM TV.

To this day, there has been no change in this situation. CVM have been buying rights to air shows like the recent Gibson Relays and the upcoming World Cup games, etc knowing full well that many Jamaicans are unable to watch them due to lack of signal in these areas. Why not try and fix the problem so all Jamaican can have access. CVM-TV is no longer a “baby” to television, after all they are 23 years old.

Another World Cup is almost here again, and we all are not feeling the rhythm. I am told that CVM is an acronym which means “Community Television Systems Limited, Videomax Limited and Mediamix Limited”. However, they are not living up to the “C” in their name, because some communities are left with a blank screen.

Leroy Brown

leroybrownman@gmail.com

Dear Editor,

I came across a recent article which shared an instance of students at a particular high school being indifferent to the thought of seeking jobs within the tourist industry. For them, the greatest challenge within the sector was the level of inequality in employment opportunities available. They mentioned the hotel industry specifically, as they hold the view that hotel managers are usually seeking only cheap labour.

Then, there are other groups of young people working within the sector for the sole benefit of having a job. Is this the kind of response that we want our youth to have towards our tourism industry?

From these observations we can deduce that when these youngsters think of the tourism sector the response is not, 'I get to promote Brand Jamaica' or 'I can get several opportunities from this'. Instead, they are eagerly looking for the next opportunity.

I believe that it is time to really begin to market tourism to the youth. The first stage would be helping them to recognise the beauty of our island and the value of our culture, especially to their daily lives. We want our young people to gravitate to those features that are traditionally ours, even as they are bombarded with American and other foreign practices which we see so often of late.

Tourists visit countries to have new experiences, and I put it to you that if we do not take the time to market these features to our youth we shall lose elements of our culture and very soon have limited value to attract tourists. The youth represent the country's future and so should be an involved part of the business of tourism.

Concerned Youth Activist

Re-energise the youth for tourism

-->

Dear Editor,

I read with satisfaction about the move by the police to remove “windscreen wipers” from Three Miles. This satisfaction, however, was shortlived as I saw no indication that there would be efforts to remove those at the intersection of Molynes Road and Washington Boulevard and those at the intersection of Waterloo and Hope roads.

As a female driver who regularly uses those roads, I experience great anxiety every time the red light catches me at one of these intersections. In one instance, I was stopped at the Molynes Road intersection. One young boy, who hides under the ever-present cap to protect his lightened face, again approached my car with the intention of wiping the windscreen.

I, in my usual fashion, signalled not to do so as I had no change. He gave me a cold, hard stare, made several angry gestures before spraying the windscreen with whatever he had in the bottle and then walked away. This interaction takes places at least twice per week. In another instance I was stopped at the Waterloo intersection when three of these “windscreen wipers” surrounded the car. Despite my protests, they continued undeterred in their quest to wipe not only the windscreen, but also the windows.

The really scary part was the fellow who stared very intently at me before proceeding to kiss and lick the windscreen, telling me that he is giving the kiss to the car since he “can’t give it to me… straight!” Because of the nature of my business, I cannot change my route and so I am forced to endure this intimidation and other scare tactics. Although my windows are up and the doors are locked, I still feel very vulnerable and terrified of these “wipers”.

I am therefore adding my voice to the many other persons out there who have had enough. I am asking the police to rid our streets of them.

Kodi Walker

kodiwalker365@gmail.com

JUTC running risk of creating a disaster

Mercy for visa applicants

Why must we wait before we act?

'Sprint Factory' missing from Champs

Protect the tranquillity of Winnifred Beach

There is only one world boss

It's finally over

See what schools can do with support

I will be counted

Gov't used its force to take over sub-franchise

Crisis counselling the only hope for MH370 families

Concerned about ads from tobacco industry

Our parliamentarians aren't the worst

If it's good for Cure, it's good for the Boss

We are killing our future

Hats off to the hard-working Expo Jamaica 2014 team

Some patrons cheated at recent Champs

I am not feeling the rhythm CVM

Re-energise the youth for tourism

Rid the streets of the ‘wipers’