The Editor, Sir:

For any real change to take place anywhere, it has to start at the grass-roots level. It is true that our leadership must model the success they want to see in the country. It is true that Government must work to create opportunities for the citizens. But change must be initiated at the grass roots.

The dock workers in the 1940s got tired of conditions and said "Enough!" Bustamante stepped in and was able to direct that energy. The people being affected the most must stand up and do something about what is happening. And this is where the Church can help.

Church members can organise themselves into co-operatives, clear land and plant non-traditional crops, like ginger, annatto, grapes, and whatever else research can show is valued in the world today. The Church can help to do research to identify potential markets for various skills, or even help to create business models so that communities can use them.

The Walker's Wood community has a great programme going. That model is something worth emulating. People must say "enough!" and look to their own resources, not to create havoc and mayhem, but to channel their energy into a meaningful turnaround.

I am etc.,

GENE GIBBS

janbou00@juno.com

7248 Long Canyon Trail

Dallas, Texas

Via Go-Jamaica