Potato project
Reference is made to the Letter of the Day, May 26, imploring Minister Tufton to encourage the production of potato, at the same time pouring cold water on growing cassava. One did not get the impression that the minister was planning sole emphasis on cassava production, but was instead suggesting an alternative to the number of imported staples.
A suggestion to the contributor is that he carry out some research into the cost of producing a pound of potato as against the imported cost. For his information, labour and water are the only two ingredients that are not imported in the growing of potato.
Christiana Potato Growers Coop can provide all information needed.
- David A Arscott, Spaldings
Divest Air Jamaica
Air Jamaica in and of itself is a marketing tool for Jamaica. Every time that plane lands in another country, Jamaica is being promoted. While we agree that Air Jamaica is costing too much to sustain, the best bet is to divest the airline. Under the agreement, the government should ensure that the airline maintains its current name. Look at Sangster International Airport. it was leased and the airport is fabulous.
Shutting down Air Jamaica should not be a consideration, much less a decision.
- Sanjay Lewis. sanjaylewis@gmail.com
School violence
The main problem affecting Jamaican students is violence. I think violence breaks out in school mainly because there is a lack of communication between parents and teachers. Also, I am concerned that the shows they are watching on cable or DVD help to promote violence.
I think parents have to take a stand with their children. School administrations should form a counselling group in each parish and they should meet and discuss the problems and suggest solutions. Afterwards, a representative from the schools in each parish should meet and decide on the actions they would take to promote order in the schools.
The violence will get worse if teachers and parents do not take a stand.
- Kadene Campbell, Brown's Town High School, PO Box 305, Brown's Town, St Ann
Cable disruption
The recent disconnection of services to so-called "valued customers" by the Telstar Cable Company for internal reasons lacked professionalism and business acumen and showed poor public relations. The advisory notice displayed on the cable station made no mention of a requirement for cable-box numbers to be submittted. Except for pensioners who were mobile, time had to be taken off from work, and the elderly who were immobile had to hire taxis to the station and wait for prolonged periods to get reconnection. even those who had prepaid were affected.
- A 'valued' customer, Kingston 8
