Welcome homeI write in response to the item titled 'Disappointment' by Pansy Gayle from Boscobel. This writer, like many of our citizens who have lived abroad and then chose to return home, seem very ready to pull up roots in the face of whatever challenges they face.
Miss Gayle, and other returning residents I know, and many Jamaicans know that it is difficult to re-immerse yourself in a culture which you embrace as your own, but has evolved in your absence to the point where it feels foreign.
Yes, things are tough here, crime, discourtesy, corruption and all the others, yes, they are here. But foreign is not perfect either. And just like how you were able to adjust abroad, you can readjust when you come back a yaad.
So ma'am, probably a better way to contribute to your Jamaica is to get involved in your community in some way which will help to empower some of your brothers and sisters. So do stop complaining and join those of us who are still committed to make this rock a good place to live
- Eric B. Bailey,
baileye9@msu.edu,
Via Go-Jamaica
The poverty lineAccording to the United Nations, 1994, and I quote "Poverty is a condition characterised by severe deprivation of basic needs, including food, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, health, shelter, education and information." It depends not only on income but also on the access to services. It is a common theory, shared by many, that majority counts.
Now, survey the Jamaican population and you need no one to tell you that Jamaicans can be classified as poor or living under the poverty line. Is it that resources are not being distributed evenly?
If this is the case, how can we put an end to this? I always say to myself, everybody gets a chance to be 'bad mind', to be covetous, greedy and unfair because it all starts with a thought.
- Stacy-Ann Gentles,
rtaylor@digicelgroup.com,
Via Go-Jamaica
How to voteWhen will Jamaicans vote for the person whose agenda appeals to their ideas and not vote for a person because of where they live? These little jingle speeches (sing sankey and find your way to the green or orange) used in Jamaican politics by politicians need to stop.
Now is the time for the Jamaican people to stand up and with one voice let these leaders explain what their thoughts and positions are in confronting guns, unemployment, education, the economy, etc. Jamaica needs to hold people in high-ranking positions accountable for things such as abusing power, not doing their jobs as needed, and handing favours to family and friends.
The PSOJ needs to apply pressure on the Government as well for better economicdecisions.
- Wayne Sewell,
tech7_haynes@yahoo.com,
Via Go-Jamaica
