The Editor, Sir:

Your Saturday, August 30, editorial 'It pays to be prepared' was well said.

That is an observation that applies universally. A striking example was Jamaica's athletes in the last Olympics. They were better prepared than most, therefore, they achieved success.

In reference to the concept of Jamaica preparing for potential natural disasters, e.g. Gustav, that exercise would be far-reaching, as mentioned, in terms of social and economic benefits. This could be one of the most productive use of government funds, providing needed employment, particularly in the economically and socially-depressed areas where these catastrophic events perennially occur.

This exercise could be labour intensive, with residents of those communities benefiting most. The major spin-off would be money to be spent within those community economies.

Community-based entrepreneurship could then be encouraged. A spirit of self-support and hope fully developed.

This exercise could also be used to rehabilitate those neglected houses throughout downtown Kingston (Tower Street, Church Street, etc.), Windward Road and Mountain View areas, similarly other areas where this blight exists. The National Housing Trust could be involved here. These rehabs could be then offered to the current occupants, who would have contributed 'sweat equity', while receiving some form of stipend. The social and economic benefits would produce a multiplying effect.

The Government, with proper planning and preparation, would also benefit from an expanded tax base.

This exercise should be primarily labour-intensive and directed to legitimate residents of each community.

'Be prepared' - is a scout's motto, the value of which I am still learning today.

Incidentally, is it possible to start the cultivation of bananas earlier to avoid the potential devastation each hurricane season?

Historically, these strong storms seem to occur between mid to late August, ending late October to early November. Maybe, farmers could cultivate more subterranean tubers to be harvested around and possibly during those high-intensity months, as an offset. There could be a plantation in St Mary and an offset in Trelawny, for example.

I am, etc;

EVAN ARCHER

evanarchere1@netzero.net

Queens Village

New York