The Editor, Sir:

I cannot understand why it takes so long to clear barrels in Kingston. I sent some barrels to Jamaica on September 31 and was told by my shipping company that the barrels reached Jamaica a few weeks ago.

The barrels are still in Kingston, apparently because they have not yet stripped the container so that they can be sent on to Montego Bay.

Why is it taking so long to strip a container? The service in port is so slow that no one will want to do business with the country. They can't claim that they do not have anyone to do the work. I am sure with the level of unemployment in Jamaica many men would jump at the chance to get a job on the wharves.

The system needs to be looked at and restructured to ensure that the country's business runs smoothly. The system is far too slow and it is letting people like me down. I need to know why they are not able to strip a container within a week of arrival at the port. This is disgraceful.

I am, etc.,

Bernice Gordon-Gray

Bernicedgordon@hotmail.com

Buckland Road

London, U.K.