The Editor, Sir:

With reference to The Gleaner editorial, 'Rethink UWI subsidies', it is important that I commend you for your vision and wisdom at this time. The vision of wise men and women is urgently needed in Jamaica. You are not only risking losing the love and interest of the poor and unfortunate Jamaicans but you are gaining your place in history. It takes people, men and women, of conscience to speak the truth against the will of the majority.

To quote the writer: "These numbers seem impressive and good for Jamaica. Except that, given the trend, about 70 per cent of these graduates, once they complete their internships and become full-fledged doctors, can be expected to emigrate ... That is bad for Jamaica ..."

I am very happy the editor has expressed this. Let conscience be our guide. "Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world" (The Holy Bible).

Bad for Jamaica

Many Jamaicans realised this is bad for Jamaica and taxpayers many years ago, when Michael Manley introduced this free university idea with good intentions, but this free university idea is being abused by many without conscience and love for the nation.

Except for Cuba and Jamaica, free university tuition does not exist; but Jamaica's political form of government is totally different from Cuba's.

This exalted status of a profession must be earned totally from the sacrifice of the individuals and his or her family; not from the labour of taxpayers.

I am, etc.,

REV JOAN PORTEOUS

joanporteous7@yahoo.com