The Editor, Sir:

After reading an article in your paper dated September 14, by M. Francis, it leaves very little to wonder why Jamaica is in the mess that it is currently in.

As to the alleged character assassination of Dr. the Hon. Vin Lawrence, one can only dismiss this as utter nonsense. While I am indeed off the island, with all available resources in terms of media, the question that begs to be answered is this: Why has he not come out and defended his character? Certainly, even though he has resigned from the Urban Development Corporation and successors ought to deal with issues that arose post his tenure, he does have a right to defend his integrity, and I sincerely hope this is forthcoming.

As to the writer of the article 'Thank you, Dr. Lawrence', I leave him with two sayings from former Prime Minister Michael Manley and noted businessman Warren Buffet. They are respectively:

1) "We are a country without a conscience, because we have lived so long with suffering, our very souls have now become hardened to indifference."

2) "You are not right because people agree with you. You are right because facts and sound reasoning substantiate your thought process. That is what makes you right."

I am, etc.,

ROBERT BARRETT

speedbird4521@hotmail.com

Doha, Qatar

Via Go-Jamaica