Dear Editor,
Senator Ruel Reid should be commended for his courageous statements on restricting the number of children one can have, instead of the condemnation he is receiving from some.
As different quarters cite all sorts of statistics that only they understand, as I see it Reid's comments show the underbelly of the National Family Planning Board (NFPB).
This government agency, in my view, is underperforming and has failed the "unplanned and unwanted children" who are born. It is reported as saying "that its drive to empower women to voluntarily reduce the number of children (they have) has led to the successful reduction of Jamaica's fertility rate from 4.5 in 1975 to 2.4 in 2008". But, what has happened since 2008?
The NFPB should be going into communities to target at-risk young girls and women, educating them on contraceptive use. They should try to break the cycle that plagues some communities. It is not a stretch to say that this situation of women having children they cannot adequately provide for is a plot by the politicians to keep citizens dependent.
As I see it, Senator Reid is good for Jamaican politics. I hope he will continue to be an "independent" voice in the Senate.
Authnel Reid
authnelreid@optonline.net
Senator Reid shows courage
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Senator Ruel Reid should be commended for his courageous statements on restricting the number of children one can have, instead of the condemnation he is receiving from some.
As different quarters cite all sorts of statistics that only they understand, as I see it Reid's comments show the underbelly of the National Family Planning Board (NFPB).
This government agency, in my view, is underperforming and has failed the "unplanned and unwanted children" who are born. It is reported as saying "that its drive to empower women to voluntarily reduce the number of children (they have) has led to the successful reduction of Jamaica's fertility rate from 4.5 in 1975 to 2.4 in 2008". But, what has happened since 2008?
The NFPB should be going into communities to target at-risk young girls and women, educating them on contraceptive use. They should try to break the cycle that plagues some communities. It is not a stretch to say that this situation of women having children they cannot adequately provide for is a plot by the politicians to keep citizens dependent.
As I see it, Senator Reid is good for Jamaican politics. I hope he will continue to be an "independent" voice in the Senate.
Authnel Reid
authnelreid@optonline.net
Senator Reid shows courage
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