The Editor, Sir:

Let me take this opportunity to say kudos to you and your staff for sharing with the readers some memorable and significant events and accomplishments of 2006, but especially for some of the exciting research findings during December, 2006.

Despite the pain, agony and corruption that Jamaica has been experiencing, Jamaica has not totally fallen to decadence. And even in some areas of musical expressions where too many artistes have crossed the 'line', some artistes are presenting us with positive messages through their songs and personal demeanour who can be viewed as good ambassadors for Jamaica.

The bigger picture is, Jamaica is a small island that thinks and acts BIG in many areas, refusing to be boxed in. As a result you've been able to present us with researchers who, are indeed big/great thinkers outside of the box.

On December 12, you featured Dr. Henry Lowe, Jamaican chemist and his research partner, Dr. Joseph Bryant, American, in their quest for a cancer cure. Dr. Lowe has assiduously worked for 30 years studying two endemic Jamaican plants with a high probability of curing five different kinds of cancer.

On December 18, you published an article written by John Myers, Jr. who did a splendid piece on hydroponic farming for growing vegetables in a greenhouse environ-ment covered by plastic without the use of soil.

This system was introduced to Jamaica by William Abertheir an American who is working along with Hopeton Singh, a Jamaican.

According to the article, the yield of ripe tomatoes (produced by the hybrid seeds for this system) has been tremendous -selling to hotels as a very lucrative venture.

On December 21, you featured Dr. Lyndon B. Johnson who is currently developing a unique pimento extract to further enhance Jamaica's world-renowned and loved 'jerk' seasoning and dishes. This fabulous development will probably decrease the work and time usually required for preparing 'jerk menus.'

And then, on December 31, you topped it off with Dr. Mark Harris, environmental scientist from Northern Caribbean University, demonstrating a portable humidifier for treating stem cuttings of sweet potatoes to hasten sweet potatoes growth in dry soil.

What is fascinating about this procedure (according to Dr. Harris) is that it is self-sustaining, requiring no human intervention after the commencement of the treatment, and is self-powered by natural forces (and here comes another Dr. George Washington Carver).

The fundamental messages in all of these projects are the focus, commitment, diligent work and the passion to create and succeed, while delaying gratification, without any great fanfare and social limelight. Jamaica has a lot to cherish. Stop self-destruction.

I am, etc.,

Dr. F.L. SPENCER-STRACHAN

55A Lady Musgrave Road,

Kingston 10