The Editor, Sir:

It is a pity that there was no time (or inclination) to have briefed our young athletic stars as to the importance of protocol, especially in the area of dress for the official events of their homecoming tribute.

As regards the women's fashion for the gala at the National Stadium on Saturday night, Governor General Sir Kenneth Hall had some embarrassing moments trying to avoid invasion of the 'private space' of some of the ladies whose bare-top fashions left little or no room for the pinning of the medals.

The men fared better in their business suits, with the exception of one who did not seem to think the occasion merited more than jeans, jacket and open-neck shirt.

Carnival revelry?

As far as tackiness went, whose idea was it to surround the male athletes with scantily-clad female escorts whose bras and bikinis would have been more appropriate for a carnival revel or a dancehall session?

As to the women in carts drawn by half-naked black men (Nubian slaves), it was plainly disrespectful.

When the evaluation of the homecoming programme is made, it is hoped that the process of medal bestowal will be evaluated.

Any consultation

National honours should not be thrown around like confetti. The reason for the different level of awards should be quite clear, if only to avoid the embarrassment which the Government now faces at having to hastily give out more to appease those who did not get.

The question to be asked is whether the national honours and awards committee was consulted in any of this. The well-deserved honours should not be marred by careless administration.

I am, etc.,

PROTOCOL

Kingston 10