The Editor, Sir:

Thanks for sharing your well written comments, "Lessons from Cuba". I've always felt likewise, that education holds the key to solving most of Jamaica's problems. It is the most neglected area in our planning and development process, along with healthcare and crime.

For a long time I've called for a massive overhaul of the education system, heavy investment in that area, as a vehicle of change and progress. We don't see education evolving to the changing needs and growth of the population. Until education becomes a priority, Jamaica will continue to suffer.

Communism

Another island worth looking at is Barbados, which shows that the type of achievements made in Cuba are not restricted by communism, but by visionary leaders with the right strategies and passion. I guess the key word here, which you rightly mentioned, is 'passion'. I've often wondered what our prospects could've been, if even half of the billions being sent down the drains annually to keep Air Jamaica flying were invested instead in education and even health care.

I am, etc.,

PAUL CHIN

chin_p@yahoo.com

Canada