I am most annoyed with the proclamation of abolishing secondary school tuition when the necessary resources needed to drive the education system are not in place. Do these politicians believe that all Jamaicans are 'dunces' and 'idiots' and are not aware of the implications such a policy will have on a developing nation such as ours?

Abolishing fees will only make the other resources needed to facilitate our children's education much more expensive. Has any thought been given to the fact that the school will devise some plan to get back these monies? We do not need a 'freeness' mentality in this country, but an opportunity for hard-working Jamaicans to be able to afford to pay for their way through this country.

My suggestion is that we abolish income tax, as that way people will be able, at least, to afford to pay the tuition fees. That 25 per cent that is axed from salaries before it reaches the hands of those who have worked so hard for it, would be used to pay school fees and many of the other expenses associated with educating our children. But this doesn't seem to be a priority, therefore, empty promises are thrown at us.

-Antoinette McGowan, Kingston 11

Experience has shown that free education does not necessarily enhance performance. Truth be told, it often makes matters worse, because when parents don't feel the pinch in their pocket, they tend not to push their children to strive for excellence.

About 20 years ago, I was looking at CXC scripts from Trinidad and was

stunned by the children's poor performance. Upon inquiring, I was informed that the Government paid for the children's education and their examination fees, hence, the nonchalant attitude towards the exam itself.

If the Opposition does form the next government and is serious about helping children to get a sound education, a PATH-type programme would make much better sense, as it wouldprovide assistance to those who really can't help themselves.