Jamaica Observer

Dear Editor,

This is an open letter to the CEO and manager at Accident & Emergency Medical Services Limited (AEMS):

I am writing this letter as a sincere expression of my gratitude to the staff of Accident & Emergency Medical Services Ltd, acknowledging specifically two members of their team: Sasha-Kay Aldridge and Shawn Hinds.

Often we hear strong opinions being voiced by citizens and visitors to Jamaica about the not so good experiences. Crime and violence are often the subject, with discussions of poor service delivery and a general lack of professional conduct in some areas of our Jamaican society being used to brand us as a people. Even when great accomplishments are unfolding in our midst they tend to be downplayed.

I would like to take this opportunity to share my experience with emergency medical technicians at AEMS.

During my last visit to Jamaica with my family, my father who accompanied us fell gravely ill and I had to take him to the nearest hospital which was Medical Associates. After registering him and having several tests performed, as well as being grilled to provide his medical and personal history, it was quickly determined that it would be necessary to have him transported to the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) for the critical medical attention needed.

At this point I transitioned from emergency mode to full panic status. A voice said to me: "Do not worry, we will call them and they will arrive quickly." In my mind I was prepared to take him myself if help did not arrive within one hour.

Before I returned to the treatment area where my father lay, the AEMS team was already at the door enquiring about the patient for transport and actively gathering the necessary medical information for the transfer.

Both persons were very professional and immediately gave me a sense of comfort and assurance that he would be in good hands while they enquired on how I would be getting to the hospital, and if assistance was needed with directions to our destination.

The team transferred him to the ambulance while I wondered what the next few minutes would reveal in an uncertain future. I quickly got into my rental car and found what I thought was the fastest route to UHWI and did not see the ambulance during my journey.

Upon my arrival at UHWI, the AEMS team was already inside and I watched what could only be described as a seamless transfer of critical medical information in a well-choreographed dance.

Work continued in the full medical assessment and treatment, with ultimately the doctors guiding his condition and care.

The medical staff of UHWI stabilised and saved my father from what could have been fatal.

I had to leave my father behind and was confident that he was in the right place.I have since returned to the island to accompany my father on his return to South Florida, where his condition will be managed allowing him to establish a continuum of care for his adjusted lifestyle.

I am forever grateful to the team for the professional way they did their jobs.

Hugh Patrick Brown

Pembroke Pines

Florida

AEMS is part of what's still good in Ja

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Dear Editor,

In recent times, I have taken to noticing the rather upsetting practice among some parliamentarians during the business sessions in Gordon House, that of the "chewing of the cud" like the creatures referred to in the Bible in Leviticus 11.

There is no good solid foundation or reason for the practice by some of our elected representatives of unwrapping sweets or other food items and consuming them in plain view of not only visitors in the public gallery of the House, but also the thousands of television viewers, at home and abroad, who take an active interest in the unfolding proceedings in our Parliament.

This practice is an example of unprofessional behaviour at its highest; although, in fairness, it is one I have increasingly observed in professional meetings, during church, at funerals, and at weddings.

But, it is disgusting, to say the least, to be constantly distracted by the horse-like behaviour of members of the chewing club in Gordon House while trying to view and listen via television to the various contributions of their colleagues in an attempt to impact the important proceedings of the Parliament towards nation-building.

In the circumstances, and given the long and sometimes tedious hours that must be devoted by our governors to the affairs of the State, there is a professional way of satisfying one's hunger pangs, even on medical grounds. It involves simply excusing one's self from the chamber of the Parliament.

Parliamentarians eating food while our Parliament is in session in this age of global technological communication is an extremely ugly practice that should stop immediately.

Everton Pryce

epryce9@gmail.com

Cud-chewing in Gordon House

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Dear Editor,

The horror of the negative effects of the "criminalisation" of our society continues to play out before our eyes in the growing sexual abuse and violence that we are experiencing.

Between Sunday and yesterday (Wednesday, June 11) we have seen reported the brutal rape of a woman in Spanish Town, who was reportedly 8 months pregnant, and now news of the gang-rape of a male jogger in the Queen Hill area. These incidents have been publicised, but we are all aware of the underreporting of these crimes and many have not hit the media.

As an organisation, the Women's Resource and Outreach Centre condemns all forms of violence and abuse. We are horrified at the continuing violation and abuse of women, girls, babies, and now men, that is taking place, especially because it seems to engender hopelessness and our feeling of vulnerability, and so little effective response by the powers that be.

We are dismayed at the level of insensitivity shown by reports in the print media, in the case of the sister from Spanish Town who was raped by three men. The response suggests that we are now into a circus about whether or not she is or was pregnant. Looking on at the police and the media, the 'story' around pregnancy seems to be the focus, glossing over the stark reality of the gross abuse that she has suffered at the hands of ruthless criminals. Most tragically, these speculations and misplaced assertions do nothing to remedy or respond to the matter at hand. It only adds to the levels of vulnerability and pain that she and many other victims of abuse suffer...but 'is just another story'.

What is the plan of action, what strategies will be employed by the police to secure and protect our sister in Spanish Town and the men, women, boys and girls who reside in others in communities across Jamaica?

What is the state of readiness for implementation of the Government's action plan to address gender-based violence? When will it be rolled out? Or is it that these things don't matter in the grand scheme of things? How many more gruesome attacks will it take for us to take a stand?

But, what can we as citizens do to bring about action, to get Government to speedily bring the sexual offenders register into law and to demand that the police force treats the victims of this horror in a more humane way and move speedily to investigate and apprehend the perpetrators. They need to get the justice system to impose more punitive periods of imprisonment for these perpetuators during which time they should be forced to work to provide the funds to cover the health care needs of the persons they have violated? And to push for an agenda of action to re-socialise our people to treat each other with respect, value life and uphold the law and to respect themselves?

The evil that plagues us has to be confronted by actions at many levels taking individual and collective responsibility to build the kind of Jamaica that is envisioned in our National Anthem.

Dorothy Whyte

Executive Director

Women's Resource and Outreach Centre

Enough is enough!

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Dear Editor,

I would like to take time out to voice my objection to the present Minister of Science, Technology, Energy, and Mining Phillip Paulwell's handling of the 381MW energy project. This minister has a history of incompetence. Who can forget the NetServ debacle in 2002 which popularised the "youthful exuberance" response by then former Prime Minister P J Patterson. He tried to convince us that it was not "willful or callous neglect" and he then gave him a slap on the back.

Fast-forward to 2007, with the Solutrea Telecom controversy when Paulwell was telecoms minister.

Let us now visit the Cuban light bulb scandal, which came to the fore in November 2008, concerning Paulwell's then junior minister, Kern Spencer, who had responsibility for the distribution of the free Cuban fluorescent light bulbs.

Now it is the 381MW energy project which has been bungled by Minister Paulwell. The Office of the Contractor General tabled a report that Paulwell interfered in the bidding process. Even with this egregious handling of the project, Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller indicated that she will not fire Paulwell and she is standing by him.

The scuttling of this energy project has wide implications on Jamaica, especially businesses. It was reported on June 10, 2014 by GraceKennedy that they will be moving a portion of their production to Ghana because the high energy costs in Jamaica.

With all the documented dereliction of duties by Phillip Paulwell I am of the view that he should do the right thing and resign. His negative history is like a dark cloud over the Jamaica. He is no youth. There is no more youthful exuberance.

Patrick Callum

patrickcallum@yahoo.com

Too old for youthful exuberance

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The stance of the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA) in relation to the Ministry of Education's (MOE) master booklist proposal is a painful reminder of what is terribly wrong with the thinking from some who have risen to the zenith of the educational matrix.

In these times of austerity, the Government proposition was calculated and is likely to ease the financial burden of many struggling parents who have found that the traditional booklists have been stacked with books that never have been used by the same teachers who the JTA president has imbued with wisdom, professional integrity, autonomy. How did these unused books get there in the first place, if the judgment of the teachers is so unerringly sacrosanct?

The lettered erstwhile principal from a struggling high school, now turned JTA president, has typecast the educators as inerrant experts who ought not to be lectured by ignoramus ministry officials (my words). He vowed to defend the apprehended teachers should sanctions be imposed for their failure to adhere to the new policy. Should the teachers unwittingly pander to his declared mock battle, and say, the JTA successfully defends them, oh what a phyrric victory it would be.

The question to the JTA is this: Is not the interest of the students the interest of the JTA? Are petty political squabbles with Government now the JTA's stock in trade, even if it amounts to arrant folly? What is your explanation to thousands of families who would stand to benefit from this policy, but find themselves casualties of your latest public relations frolic and grandstanding?

I believe the MOE should hold its position, as the JTA's in inimical to the interests of the average Jamaican family.

Wat Ching

wat.ching@yahoo.com

JTA's arrant folly?

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I wish to thank the Observer for constantly updating Jamaicans on the Government's actions regarding review of the buggery law as evidenced by the article 'Sex laws review' in the Daily Observer of Friday, June 6, 2014. The article states that, in December last year, Senator Golding had dialogue with representatives of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to assist with the case for the reform of the provisions for intimacy in private among consenting adults, with particular focus on public health disadvantages and the fight against HIV/AIDS. However, Senator Golding's discussions seem to be at variance with statements from officials at the Ministry of Health.

A senior official at the MOH recently stated that: "There is no link between anti-buggery laws and HIV prevalence rates in any country." Here we have it. Both views cannot be right; either the anti-buggery law is hindering the HIV/AIDS fight or the law is not a hindrance.

I would like to believe that the competent body to determine whether or not a particular law is impacting on the health care that Jamaicans receive is the Ministry of Health. It is unacceptable for our government officials to be sharing information with the international community which is contradictory to that coming from the MOH.

It is also being stated by gay rights activists and some sections of academia and the media that the anti-buggery law is preventing vulnerable groups from getting access to needed health care. However, the MOH is again discounting this claim. In an article in the Jamaica Observer, May 26 it stated: "HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSMs) now experience little or no barrier in accessing services at the islands public health facilities despite Jamaica's strong buggery laws which criminalise the act."

Jamaicans are asking for honesty from the Government in this ongoing debate. The Government should not seek to create a link between the anti-buggery law and HIV prevalence rate where none exists.

Marsha Thomas

marshburns@hotmail.com

Conflicting views, Minister Golding

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Please allow me to point out that it is inaccurate and unfair to lump the JLP and PNP together as being responsible for the bad state of affairs in our country.

The first 10 years of independent Jamaica were under a JLP administration. We became the model for newly independent countries; no one could expect things to be perfect in 10 years coming from 300 years of colonialism, but we made massive strides in every department.

A programme of industrialisation was vigorously pursued. The Government changed in 1972 and, under the PNP administration, everything was in shambles by 1980. Crime and violence, corruption and extortion became the order of the day. I remember Edward Seaga warning them: "You are putting the country on a collision course with bankruptcy." They called him a prophet of doom and continued on their destructive path.

The JLP was returned to office in 1980 and the whole of the first term had to be spent picking up the pieces; the second term brought significant improvements with the economy growing by five or six per cent.

By some strange logic the JLP was voted out in 1989 and the PNP spent the ensuing 18.5 years destroying the economy once more. The dollar devalued from $5.50 to US$I to $70 to US$1, crime and violence, extortion, corruption, and scandals reigned supreme, the productive sector was destroyed.

After many years of economic decline under the PNP Administration, the JLP returned to office in 2007. By the time they settled in world recession and natural disaster struck, yet they stopped the slide of the dollar, stabilised the economy and returned to a path of growth within the four years spent in office.

The PNP assumed office again and in less than three years the dollar has already lost some 20 per cent of its value, and the slide continues together with the other negatives. For the more than 40 years since 1972, the PNP has occupied office for more than two-thirds of the time. So it is the PNP which destroys the economy. If young people do not avail themselves of the facts and act and speak from the standpoint of truth they will be forfeiting their own future.

alvalj@cwjamaica.com

Don't blame the JLP

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Dear Editor,

The Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) wishes to clarify statements made recently in the Jamaica Observer and The Gleaner following a boat tour arranged by the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce along with Caribbean Maritime Institute on Sunday, June 8, 2014.

We note from articles published in both newspapers that the tour was limited to a visit to Little Goat Island and did not include Great Goat Island. It is well-known that Little Goat Island, some 300 acres in size, was the site of a US naval base. Great Goat Island, however, is about twice the size of the Little Goat Island, standing at approximately 600 acres and 100 metres in height. It is the largest island in the Portland Bight Protected Area and has never been developed. The waters surrounding Goat Islands are home to several endangered and protected species including the American Crocodile, the West Indian Manatee and sea turtles.

Environmental groups have never stated or implied that goats or iguanas currently live on Goat Island. The critically endangered Jamaican Iguana inhabited Great Goat Island until the 1940s when it was thought they became extinct. A small surviving iguana population was discovered in the 1990s in the nearby Hellshire Hills in the same Portland Bight Protected Area. Great Goat Island was designated as a proposed special conservation area for the relocation of the iguana. The island was seen as ideal due to its remote location which would protect these animals from predators. Local and international scientists, in collaboration with the University of the West Indies, the National Environment and Planning Agency and the Urban Development Corporation, have been working towards this goal for the last 10 years with substantial national and international funding. In fact, it was through this collaboration that the goats who used to roam the island were removed a few years ago.

For the last 10 years environmental groups such as the Caribbean Coastal Area Management Foundation and the Jamaican Iguana Recovery Group have been working to establish eco-tourism attractions, conservation and regenerate Jamaica's depleted fish stocks in this area. Little Goat Island was earmarked for development as a visitor's and interpretation centre, not only for Great Goat Island but for the entire Portland Bight Protected Area, attracting hundreds of nature lovers and eco-tourists and providing substantial job opportunities for Jamaicans through transportation, guided tours and restaurants. Galleon Harbour, one of Jamaica's 14 special fisheries conservation areas (formerly fish sanctuaries) declared in 2010, encompasses the mangroves that form part of the Goat Islands. CCAM has established a fisheries management programme to ensure that the area will lead to greater fish stocks for the fishermen in the area.

JET supports the establishment of a logistics hub and trans-shipment port in Jamaica. However, we question why the Government has decided that the best location for the port is Goat Islands given its protected status and designation for other uses. We support the creation of a trans-shipment port in Kingston Harbour, which is presently under expansion. We also support the call for more information to be provided to the public, in particular, about the exact scope, details and arrangements for the port and logistics hub, the type of jobs to be provided, and how many of these jobs will go to Jamaicans. The stated benefits of the port: the $1.5 billion in investment and 10,000 jobs can still be obtained if the port is built in another location.

More information is needed in order to further public debate on this issue and to evaluate suitable alternative locations and the purported benefits of the logistics hub to Jamaicans.

Danielle Andrade

Legal Director

Jamaica Environment Trust

Kingston 10

dandrade.jet@gmail.com

Tell the public the full truth about Goat Islands

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Dear Editor,

It pains my heart to mention that during my temporary handicapped status, I have come to realise and notice that Jamaica is very unkind and unfriendly to persons who are handicapped, disabled, in any size, shape or form, including senior citizens that have difficulty negotiating day-to-day tasks. And it is sad to say that, maybe not now, but some day, we will encounter someone that will be in need, and even ourselves, and will need the care and attention that is being denied.

I recently had an operation which rendered me temporarily handicapped. My husband and I visited a supermarket in the Corporate Area when, no sooner than I hobbled in on my crutches, I was greeted by one of their employees with a motorised scooter to aid me in manoeuvring through the aisles. He took his time to explain to me how to operate the scooter — which was fairly simple.

After enjoying the ride and paying for my purchases, I asked him where I should leave the scooter. He told me I could drive it straight out to my car and he would return it. Boy, was I surprised! How convenient!

As I struggled to get off the scooter and hobble to the passenger door of my car, I looked up and saw a shadow hovering over me, only to find a security guard opening my car door for me and assisting me into my car. What service!

When I reached home, I was reading through one of the newspapers only to see that this same supermarket had won the award in the Jamaica Observer Food Awards the night before for "A Total Shopping Experience". Congratulations, Loshusan... An award well-deserved! A big thank you to the management and staff of Loshusan for helping to make shopping a "breeze".

Angie Ammar

angie@cwjamaica.com

A total shopping experience

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Dear Editor,

I was deeply saddened as I read last Wednesday's headlines about the gang-rape of a male jogger. Jamaica is indeed shaping up to be the modern-day Sodom & Gomorrah which, according to the account in scriptures, was destroyed with fire and brimstone because of their wickedness and unwillingness to repent.

I do hope that we will hear loud cries from the usual "defenders of human rights and justice", and those who trumpet for the freedom of choice and the freedom of expression for the "happy" people whose strident voices are being allowed to drown out those that fight to hold on to the shreds of morals and decency that we have left in this country.

I want Jamaica to know that the forces of evil are not in the business of playing — as a cat would play with a mouse. Their sole intent seems to maim, kill and destroy. Will we continue to collectively sigh and resign ourselves to these atrocities?

At a recent multi-denominational meeting of religious leaders, one reverend postured that, if Jamaicans would all "bawl out"— literal loud bawling — every time we lose one of our brothers or sisters to the gun or other crimes, the perpetrators of these atrocities would stop and think twice — even if just out of sheer fear of hearing the collective wailing across Jamaica. And, if we would take that a step further, and not only wail, but have the women and men who know these agents of evil also bawl out and expose them (irrespective of the consequences), then perhaps we could hope that what's left of the stink and decay of morals in Jamaica will be salvaged.

Let us pray more fervently and hit out against all attempts to make this so-called alternative lifestyle acceptable. It is wrong, it is evil, and we have only just begun to reap the wind from the whirlwind. May God help us.

Mishann C

mishannc@yahoo.com

We need 'divine intervention'

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Dear Editor,

Agriculture is portrayed as an industry with the potential to transform Jamaica's economic fortunes. But, like other ventures, it requires private investment to succeed. However, due to political influences successive administrations have refused to liberate agriculture from government control. For example, since several acres of land are directly under Government's supervision, it is easy for the minister of agriculture to announce a grand plan to produce any crop of his choice on a mass scale, thus allowing him to boast about providing farmers with employment, even if they lack appropriate skills.

With private entrepreneurs, however, there is an emphasis on producing quality products and cutting cost; therefore, less job opportunities will exist for political lackeys.

A reform of the sector is imperative if we are serious about creating wealth. It would be instructive for the Government to divest arable land to investors with the capital and technological ability to make agriculture competitive.

New Zealand businessman Bruce Wills was not afraid to declare that his country needed foreign capital to develop and neither should we. "Agriculture in New Zealand is growing rapidly. We need capital to grow it as rapidly as we would like it to grow it. We have a lack of capital in New Zealand, so we are reliant on money coming from somewhere. It either comes through debt or through equity investment from offshore," he stated.

Furthermore, a pragmatic approach must be adopted when dealing with agriculture. Previous administrations have refused to wean the sector off government financing and aid; recently there was a shortage of Irish potatoes and the Government decided to spend $60 million to assist farmers in making up the shortfall. Since our farmers are private businessmen, we expect them to update their techniques and insure against risk, they cannot rely on government bailouts indefinitely. Jamaica has also been receiving grant funding from the European Union to subsidise sugar and banana for years, although these sectors may never relive their glory years. So instead of investing billions of dollars in social programmes for farmers and other politically expedient initiatives, the money could be used in a productive manner.

Britain recently spent over 10 million pounds to establish a campus for food and renewable energy. The funding will provide new facilities to target companies and researchers interested in creating new products based on modern approaches to plant breeding, so we should follow the British model and rebuild the College for Agriculture Science and Education to reap greater success. When economies modernise, agriculture becomes less important; for example, in 1952 agriculture represented 35 per cent of Taiwan's GDP, and in 2012 it accounted for a mere 1.3 per cent. Let's not fool ourselves, Jamaica cannot survive in this global environment. Unless our agricultural sector becomes more innovative, archaic agriculture is just no longer viable

Lipton Matthews

lo_matthews@yahoo.com

Dear Editor,

Jamaica lost a friendly football match to France, away, by 8-0. A clear drubbing. I asked the Jamaica Football Federation via twitter what was the logic of the schedule of friendlies played recently by Jamaica. No answer, yet.

Sure, we are rebuilding, but on what?

You send a team that rarely has a heavy travel schedule on over 6,000 miles of air and on the ground, taking in several countries with climate and social conditions far different from our own.

To the USA, then Europe for three games. Great sights in all these places, but besides passport stamps what was being collected? Are we known as good travellers? No. Fine. We set ourselves up well with stiff challenges against Barbados, and... don't even bother.

We grow local talent playing on pitches that are best termed fields. A few days ago a JFF representative was crowing about the wonderful opportunities our female footballers were getting for training in Florida. Lush turf, wonderful facilities, most of that on college campuses. What do we have? I watched several Monday night airings of Red Stripe Premier League action some weeks ago. I see the daily scrimmages at UTech -- nice bus shelter, outside. I remember vividly one match when a ball was moved by an alien. What else could have caused the crazy deviation as the goalkeeper stooped to collect a routine rolling ball. Goal! What? The goalie looked at the ground and his body language showed abject frustration. That's what our top teams have to deal with: dirt fields in rubbish conditions.

You don't need to be an expert to see some of what's wrong. What have our appointed 'experts' been doing to fix the conditions?

Our talent pool is deep if we look at all those who could qualify to play. But, that's only potential. Whoever is picked has to blend to make a team. I've watched a few Reggae Boyz matches in Jamaica and

abroad. The team concept is a major challenge.

Our best potential players are not playing in Jamaica. They are abroad. Some have declared themselves for other nations -- very sensible from a personal perspective. What would tempt Liverpool's Raheem Sterling to play for the Boyz? The chance of an Island Grill meal on the flights back to England? Worse, blending with the overseas-based players is an enormous task.

Look at the National Stadium. Look at its facilities. Look at the club facilities of most top-level teams in Europe. Top-level football is serious business. We are not into that, yet. We have no youth structure that builds clearly to the professional ranks. Our schoolboy matches are exciting, but who or what are they enriching? Much press coverage has gone on the new primary schoolboy tournament, the Samsung Cup, but what is it building besides brand imaging?

I look at the UWI pitches, where August Town play. I have a picture of some of the facilities with a dilapidated stretcher on the side. It reminded me of pub football in England...for bad teams.

The 8-0 score is actually flattering. Take a look at how France organises its football. Look at the USA. Look at any country due to play in Brazil this week. Do we see anything that looks like our efforts?

We are set up for failure, and at best, mediocrity. We got what we deserved. Will we draw any lessons? Wake me up when you're ready to answer.

Dennis Jones

Economist, USSF Coach and Referee

Kingston 8

dennisgjones@gmail.com

We set the Boyz up to fail

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Dear Editor,

Approximately four years ago Jamaica experienced an onion shortage. At the time of the shortage there was an effort made to encourage and increase the local production of onion to stave off any such shortage in the future. However, we are back to square one, as was evident this past weekend where there was another shortage of onions on the local market.

As a result, the price of onions was artificially higher than usual as the market adjusted to the economics of demand and supply. A pound of onions usually cost about $80 - $100 per pound, however, over the weekend the price doubled reaching as much as $200 per pound.

As a country we are too dependent on foreign imports to satisfy local food consumption. In 2010 it was reported that Jamaica imported approximately US$4 million worth of onions annually.

There is a very high demand for onions locally as the average Jamaican household apparently has had a love affair with this popular seasoning. Jamaicans consume about 12,000 tonnes of onions each year, however, the country only produces a fraction of the onions required for local consumption. In fact, some data suggest that Jamaica is only able to grow less than 10 per cent of the overall consumption of onions. We cannot continue to use scarce foreign exchange to import more than 90 per cent of the needed onions. The same holds true for other imported foods. Jamaica spends a staggering US$1 billion on food imports.

Yes, we can substitute onions. However, let us not lose focus. We need to drastically cut our imported food bill. A country's development cannot be complete unless food security is adequately addressed. Food security is a matter of national security.

Wayne Campbell

waykam@yahoo.com

www.wayaine.blogspot.com

A tearful problem

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Dear Editor,

The Jamaica Teachers' Association's (JTA) behaviour towards the present minister of education seems to mirror the actions of the 'Tea Party' wing of the Republican Party towards President Obama in the US. Any policy proposed by the minister must be opposed; even if it is a good idea.

The need to standardise thetextbooks used in schools is a long-standing issue. Many parents already have to find absurd amounts of money to give to their children for taxi fares because of a ridiculous placement system. To burden them with more expense for books that are hardly ever used is counterproductive.

The need to standardise thetextbooks used in schools is a long-standing issue. Many parents already have to find absurd amounts of money to give to their children for taxi fares because of a ridiculous placement system. To burden them with more expense for books that are hardly ever used is counterproductive.

In an environment in which access to school was easy, the JTA's position would have some validity. It would be good if teachers were free to determine what material their students need and require that parents provide it. But this will prove to be unrealistic for some time to come.

I hope that standardisation of books is only the first step towards developing common programmes, requiring common material, that will allow schools to share resources. Schools in Mandeville, for instance should be able to have collaborative departmental meetings at the end of the summer holidays, where they share resources and develop common question banks for assessment.

I envision a system in which students would spend one or two sessions watching a video on linear equations after which they would be given worksheets. Teachers would then act as supervisors to monitor groups, each of which would be led by a more capable student, helping them where they have a problem. Whatever additional material students need can be obtained via the Internet and photocopied for the students. There is a great deal of such material on the Internet that can be legitimately downloaded and photocopied. At any rate, a teacher could still use it to develop a lesson plans or make required notes to give to students.

Even if it is shown that this is not so good an idea, it is the sort of thing the JTA leadership should spend their time thinking about so that they can come up with suggestions to move the system forward. The danger of their present attitude is that the public will begin to treat them in the same way that they treat the minister and not take them seriously when they are on solid ground making objections that need to be made.

R Howard Thompson

Mandeville

JTA objection counterproductive

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Dear Editor

Whenever a law is to be made, modified or repealed there are several issues that should be considered. Some of these are: its ability to be enforced, its ability to achieve its objectives, and its advantages and disadvantages. These considerations call for a high degree of level-headedness and as little emotions as possible.

One common misconception about this buggery law is that it targets gay men. In fact, the buggery law targets consenting adults of either sex who engage in anal sex, among other things.

So, can this law, in its current form, be enforced? I really don't think so. This law, unlike many others, is virtually impossible to enforce. To some extent we can enforce laws against fraud and corruption. However, unless we are willing to put cameras in every bedroom, I don't see how far we can get with this buggery law. As such, this aspect of the law is clearly unenforceable.

Has this law achieved its objectives? This law was, among other things, designed to prevent the "immoral" act of anal sex. There is no sure way of knowing if the incidence of this has been kept low. As consenting adults of both genders may do this in total secret, there is no way of knowing. It's not as if people report details their sexual encounters to the authorities.

Also, the incidence of HIV and other diseases associated with anal sex cannot be used as a good yardstick to measure whether this law is achieving anything. A reduced incidence of HIV and other STIs may actually mean more people may be using protection.

Is this law causing any problems? If the claim that is being made by some of our leading authorities about the relationship between the higher incidence of HIV/AIDS and the reluctance of gay men to seek treatment for their condition is true, then that is at least one disadvantage in keeping this law.

It is true that many of us would want to keep this law as it is. Many of us say that it is un-Christian to remove it. However, if the law is not serving any useful purpose, then I think the true Christian would say that it is un-Christian to keep it.

Some people are of the view that if the law is repealed we will have gay men having sex all over the place. We must understand that laws don't necessarily regulate social or cultural norms, and ours is a culture that will remain homophobic for a long time. So, apart from depriving the police of the power to arrest consenting adults of any gender for engaging in anal sex, a repeal of the buggery will not change anything substantially for a very long time to come.

The considerations that are currently being used to change the laws pertaining to marijuana are not very dissimilar to those for buggery. While many of us don't necessarily support the smoking of marijuana, and while many of us don't necessarily support anal sex, I think the time has come for us to fully respect the rights of consenting adults to make their personal choices. As such, I think the time has come to remove this cosmetic law.

Michael A Dingwall

michael_a_dingwall@hotmail.com

Time to repeal the buggery law

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Dear Editor,

We often sing the famous lyrics of the late Whitney Houston "I believe the children are our future, teach them well and let them lead the way," and it is a tune I have sung for many years, even to my own kids. However, I have come to one conclusion. The Grinch has stolen the future of our kids. Who is Grinch? The grinch is us, the adults, the people who should be clearing a path for our youth to see ahead; guiding them and most importantly leading by example.

We cannot say we believe the children are our future when we are not creating a future for them to live in. We make it hard for them to even help themselves aspire and achieve simple goals. We implement unrealistic community programmes that will not yield much success; one or two will get a job or a scholarship, but what happens to the majority? We give them a "cerfitikit" and tell them job well done, the cameras roll and take pictures and when all is done they go back to sitting on the corner and "hustle" while certificates on their dressers 'grow' dust.

If we do not sort out our youth right away we are doomed. They are giving up and are fighting to gurantee a good solid future. It is hard for them to further their education because it is too expensive; it is hard for them to utilise simple skills to get employment. We need more programmes to help the ones who are not academically inclined and more assistance for those who need to acquire tertiary, and for those who have battled to get a degree they need a job.

The business of the youth is urgent, and if we do not address it immediately I fear to grow old in my own country when these youths become adults. Let us stop cheating the children and give them the future they deserve.

Dee Hunt

St Catherine

BeDeeInspired@gmail.com

Grinch stole the youth's future

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Dear Editor,

I refer to your Sunday Observer front page story. A Duhaney Park woman told the newspaper that she had to pay $3,500 to obtain and reinstall lines that were earlier taken down by a Jamaica Public Service crew, accompanied by the police, months ago: "Mi did need the light. Mi caan do without it, because mi have young baby and mi need the fan and the fridge in particular," she said, adding that getting regularised was not something that she could do now because she would not be able to afford it, based on how much she earns.

There are so many things wrong with these statements from the article:

1. Why does she have immediate access to an informal solution rooted in corruption?

2. Why is it no penalties exist for this behaviour?

3. Why does she speak about access to a fridge and fan like it is a basic human right?

We can learn from this that the complete solutions, new legislation and stiffer penalties must deal with corruption in Jamaica as a significant factor undermining our progress as a nation.

Hanif McFarlane

hanif@att.net

Shine a light on corruption

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Dear Editor,

By now everyone should know that Jamaica is a homophobic place, but let's not get paranoid. I believe the LGBT community has caused some of this homophobic behaviour on their own self. The LGBT community has been been quick to call names and point fingers, while not seeing the real issue.

Let's start pointing the finger at the homosexual Jamaicans that have been dressing like women and targeting heterosexual men oh so often in New Kingston. I consider that to be going too far, as their intention is to seduce unwary men.

Some may argue that is not true, but if one takes a night stroll in New Kingston, I can assure you that you might witness or be a victim of these gay men that call at passing men and some even go as far as to walk you down and ask you for sexual favours. I wonder if the LGBT community knows about this.

Just last week I was walking with my friend back to Half-Way-Tree from New Kingston. When we were passing along the bridge on Trafalgar Road men stopped us and demanded money from us. When we refused, they robbed my friend of his phone and money and in the tussle bit my friend on his hand that he was using to hold on to his pocket so that they could not take out his money.

This is the type of behaviour that the gay community has imposed on the rest of the population. This is what has being leading to the criminalisation and discrimination of their sexuality. This whole thing is ridiculous and dangerous and is a big a part of the reason many Jamaicans tend to be homophobic.

You cannot change someone who does not want to be changed. But before you point fingers at society analyse the unsavoury, raucous, in-your-face, daring behaviour of your own community.

Kashane Taylor

kashanetaylor@ymail.com

LGBTs cause homophobia on themselves

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Dear Editor,

I am outraged at the sly attempt of Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ), and by extension Caribbean Vulnerable Communities (CVC), to introduce the inappropriate programme 'Realising Sexual and Reproductive Health Responsibly: JFJ's Pilot Intervention in Children's Homes'.

There are already so many perverted, deviant, unhealthy, and not least of all illegal sexual behaviours prevalent in our society that plague the promise of our nation.

Sexual education and discussions are vital to prepare our youth for the current irresponsible sexual world they live in, but shouldn't the messages geared toward our youngsters be of abstinence? With all the burdens of teenage pregnancies, STDs and STIs, the threat of misguided abortions and the frequency of fatherlessness, one would think any sexual programme targeted at children would be one that teaches true sexual responsibility and self-control.

How curious it is that JFJ and CVC are two of the organisations that called for the silencing of Professor Bain. These organisations have adopted an "out with the old and in with the new" approach as they seek to advance their LGBT and sexual degradation agenda.

As adults, let us be the ones to hear the children cry, pick them up and soothe them; not prick their ears with the perverted tunes of a paedophilic Pied Piper whose only aim is to lure children deeper into sexual mess. May we wake up to the horrible reality that has slipped into the back door of these children's homes and other facets of society, and may it spur us on to play our part in protecting the true vulnerable of our society — the children.

Jermaine Smith,

Love March Movement

shan21@hotmail.com

No back-room teaching for wards

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Dear Editor,

A Daily Observer report of Friday, April 4, 2014 (p 22), stated 'Policy coming to regulate tobacco cultivation' in Jamaica'. It was announced that Government is expected to launch, within the next three months, a strategy aimed at discouraging the cultivation of tobacco in Jamaica. Under this initiative tobacco farmers are to be trained and are to be introduced to alternative crops such as Irish potato, ginger, tomato, and other crops for export.

For four decades Jamaica has been dealing with "the alternative" rather than "the additional". Tobacco farmers should be encouraged and assisted to increase tobacco production for export. In addition, other farmers should be encouraged and assisted to grow potato, ginger, tomato, and other crops for export.

At the same time, there are moves to legalise and grow marijuana for export. Regrettably, plans have been made to have some of Jamaica's best agricultural lands paved in concrete and asphalt, thus reducing farmlands.

Consider the sugar industry. In the mid-1950s Jamaica produced more than 560,000 tons of sugar in one year. The Frome Sugar Factory in Westmoreland produced 120,000 tons. More than three decades ago sugar was said to be "a colonial crop". Production declined.

In recent years, Jamaica has struggled to achieve annual sugar production of 130,000 tons.

Sugar is an important industrial raw material. An Agribusiness & Applied Economics Report, published in June 2013, shows annual world sugar production, during 2008-2012, at an average 160.7 million metric tons. About one-third of that production was exported. The world's sugar market has been growing and is expected to continue growing.

Agriculture is essential to the growth of Jamaica's economy. The convoluted thinking gives agriculture a beggar description. It is clear that "the alternative" has not worked and will not work. Jamaica needs to go for "the additional" in agriculture.

Alvaro Casserly, CD, JP

Kingston 6

aacasserly@cwjamaica.com

More, not less, for agriculture

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