On the value of patents

THE EDITOR, Madam:

REGARDING THE 'patent' dilemma of the electronic voting system. Should the individual members of past governments, working in the trust of the people of Jamaica, or any nation for that matter, seriously even consider such notions as purportedly done by Mr. Peralto?

I agree to a great extent with the need to patent such a thing, considering the implications if we don't. If we should remotely consider conceding to such baloney, we sure are running up a wrong tree. If this was to be done, then should we not do the same for many Jamaican leaders, both past and present, who have had brilliant ideas implemented? Should they or their descendants not demand that they name people as trustees for these various things? National Housing Trust, Mandela Park, Tivoli Gardens and the various programmes that Mr. Seaga has championed would then deserve such thoughts.

Mr. Peralto gives the impression that there is some fame that he has not gotten recognition for. But I will challenge him that the idea may not have been wholly his, but some member of his party or staff and at the time he was in a position to do something about it. If he (Mr. Peralto) is more concerned about the process rather than fame then a dignified approach would go a far way in teaching Jamaicans the value of patents and copyright in protecting intellectual property and works of art.

I am etc.,

LLOYD GEORGE

Europe

Via Go-Jamaica

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