The Editor, Sir:

Please permit me to share my thoughts on the issue of respect for time in Jamaica. It is often said that Jamaicans have no regard for time. There is hardly a function that begins on time. Sometimes people go as far as announcing an earlier time than they plan to start a function so that people who are late will be on time for the beginning of the function. Jamaicans are almost always late, hence the phrase, 'Jamaica time.'

However, Jamaicans do respect time when they choose to. There are many Jamaicans for whom seconds matter. People in the media are in this category. Athletes also have high regard for time. But the same people who turn up late for functions, and expect others to overlook their tardiness, often chide others for being late when they need service of any kind, and they always know when it is time to leave work, even if they are late for work.

It doesn't matter where in Jamaica people live. It is never too early to line up at the American Embassy or any other place where Jamaicans want to be. I implore Jamaicans to choose to be on time not only when it suits us but to cultivate the habit of being punctual at all times. Time is a valuable resource. Let us use it wisely.

I am, etc.,

WINNIE ANDERSON-

BROWN

winab@cwjamaica.com

Bagatelle district

Ashley P.A.

Clarendon