THE EDITOR, Sir:
PLEASE ALLOW me to use this medium to express my sincere gratitude to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) for the tireless job of patrolling the dangerous streets before, during and after the passage of Hurricane Ivan.
The job of a police officer is not an easy one and too often as Jamaicans, we are quick to point out the flaws but are stingy with the accolades. So, my thanks to those men and women in uniform for putting their own lives at risk to protect us all. Although we must get back to 'business as usual' as soon as we can, we must be mindful of the constraints that a natural disaster of such magnitude will have on our island.
With respect to children returning to school, I must urge parents as well as the Ministry of Education to exercise caution, and ensure that clean running water be restored to the schools before classes resume. With children, the risk of serious infections such as gastroenteritis is greater. Fungal, bacterial and viral infections will spread when they are not able to wash their hands thoroughly.
Bearing this in mind, my best wishes to Jamaica and all other territories affected by Ivan's wrath. May we all pull together to find the strength to overcome, and the resolve to use this disaster as an opportunity to reach out to each other in kindness and live well with our neighbour.
I am, etc.,
DAHLIA-ANN MARTIN-
FORBES
adforbes@emoquad.com
Kingston 8
