The Editor, Sir:

Next week, when the British High Commission opens for business in Kingston, many Jamaican parents will attempt to obtain a visa to visit their children in the British Isles.

Their children are serving members of the British Armed Forces; the majority of the parents concerned will be treated like convicts and their applications refused.

They are even being refused visas to attend their children's weddings (where appropriate).

Jamaican young men and women have contributed to World War one and two. Many have paid the ultimate price for the motherland (U.K.) and are still doing so today in two major conflicts.

Meanwhile, as of January 1, 2007, Romanians and Hungarians will become entitled to enter the U.K. An unemployed single mother with two children for example, will receive social rent-free housing and up to £800 per month without the need of a visa.

To compound it, all these people fought on the wrong side during World War two.

I ask that Jamaica politicians put pressure on their British counterparts to ensure that Jamaicans are treated more fairly. They must remember also that we are still members of the Commonwealth.

I am, etc.,

STANFORD BEAN

s.w.bean@btinternet.com

Public Relations Officer

(Birmingham Branch)

West Indian Ex-servicemen

and Women Association

Birmingham England.

Via Go-Jamaica