The Editor, Sir:

While I understand the Prime Minister's concern for the poor, a six-month work programme will not begin to address urban blight and desperation that have plagued the country for decades.

Rather than a short-term fix, coincidentally timed with the calling of the next election, we must look at providing long-term solutions.

In a recent speech, a PNP member identified the opportunity for ornamental fish farmers. Why not establish cooperatives to take advantage of these opportunities.

There is also a shortage of fish for the fast-food restaurant business. These are just a few of the projects that require a minimal amount of technical skills, and would have a long-term positive impact. A crash programme at this time is a disservice, and will not produce any noticeable long-term results.

Why not ask the citizenry to assist in the clean-up campaign, while a cohesive plan to reduce the level of poverty and despair is put together? School children are without necessary equipment, can we not start with the generation that needs the most, and coincidentally, that our future depends on?

With our limited resources, we have to make hard choices. We cannot squander PetroCaribe dollars on pork barrel politics, Jamaica deserves better. Let's not give poor people a fish. Rather, let us uplift those who need assistance by providing the tools necessary to catch the fish for the rest of their lives.

I am, etc.,

KIRK BARROW

kabarrow@hotmail.com

Kingston 10