Strengthen ties with America

This political administration is now celebrating its first anniversary, and many are the challenges that it faces. However, despite the hardships and trials, Jamaica's fervent endeavours ought to be nothing less than forging closer ties with the United States of America.

Good relations with America are in the nation's best interest, and Jamaica's political leaders must never be hesitant to strengthen government-to-government as well as economic ties with the nation that is the 'bread basket' of the world.

- Glenford G. Wilson, St Elizabeth

National disaster command centre

There is a great need for a well-organised disaster plan centred on a national disaster command centre similar to that which is done in the United States.

Similar command centres should be organised in each parish which would liaise with representatives in each community.

Let's say each community would have one or two representatives who would report on incidents which occurred during a disaster to the parish organisation which in turn would relay such information to the national disaster command centre.

This would secure speedy and efficient help for those affected and would help to reduce the stress and anxiety associated with disasters such as the one we have just experienced with Gustav.

Such a body would prevent any suggestion of partisan political motives and would put to rest the oft quoted expression : "Politics is about the fight for scarce benefits and spoils that has created this polarised society in which we all behave like hostile tribes perpetually at war etc."

- P. Logan, Duncans, Trelawny

Searching for siblings

I would like to contact my five siblings in England. They are Ivanhoe (Ian) Grant, 45; Brenda Grant, 41; Gary Grant, 38; Eileen Grant, 33; and Mark Grant 28.

They were all born I believe, in Coventry, England, and may now be living in London.

I am the eldest and the only one born here in Jamaica. I have no address or contact number for any of them.

My mother is Daphne Grant. We are originally from Yallahs, St Thomas. I am now living in St Catherine.

- Shirley Venetia Christie (nee Cameron) christie _venetia@yahoo.com

876-827 39390