We all suffer, Mr PM
I note with some degree of amusement the Government's response to the Opposition's cry to "do something about the rising costs of food and petrol." This has come as a $500 million programme of relief through the Programme of Advancement through Health and Education. Can someone please inform the Government that everyone eats and that we are all affected?
My question is what has happened to the over two-year-old recommendation to have the income tax threshold lifted? As wage-earners, shouldn't we get some relief?
To add insult to injury after doing my nine-to-five and not being able to afford the rising cost of bread my tax is now going to subsidise a group of Jamaicans who consistently qualify for every social benefit this country provides. Pot bottom soon drop out.
- F. Richards, francinerichards@gmail.com
Misplaced priorities
I'm sure Parliamentarians are not the worst off of all Jamaicans. I cannot imagine that priority was placed on salary negotiations while seemingly more serious matters were pushed back. Let me do some math - 20 per cent increase; 60 hardworking souls; $96 million siphoned away in 100 days from social funds. This is beyond all statistical solution.
I want this government to succeed so Mr. Golding, you and your government had better look before you leap and as one great news commentator would say way back in the day on one of your radio stations, "Walk good, my friends".
- Kevin Channer, channerk@msn.com, New York.
Bothering Dawn?
In reading her Sunday Gleaner columns over the past 12-18 months, it appears to me, as well as to many to whom I have spoken, that the good lady appears to be a cranky, old lady who is not ageing very well.
Her 'one story' columns appear to be much of an adoration of Mrs. Portia Simpson Miller as she shows a dislike for Prime Minister Bruce Golding. I wonder if those talked about 'termites' are giving the Old Girl a bit of bother?
- George Thompson, george@hotmail.com
Murali's bowling action
I might be a minority of one, but I shall not celebrate or congratulate Muttiah Muralitharan on his record of wickets in Test cricket, as his delivery is akin, if not identical, to the motion in dart or javelin throwing.
If we are going to accept his delivery as legal, then we must train our youngsters to adopt this method. There is precedent, as was done with the Fosbury Flop - in high-jumping and in track and field - and illegal at first, now universally accepted.
- Delroy McPherson, 16 Park Crescent, Mandeville
