THE EDITOR, Sir: KINDLY PERMIT me space to express some thoughts in the aftermath of the death of Pauline Gray and Lawson Calderon and the subsequent proposed action of the authorities. Why did it have to cost the life a prominent person in our society, one with so much promise and potential, for us to hear of the speed with which a bridge will be built to span the Cassia Park fording of the Sandy Gully (similar fordings to be upgraded) and the installation of markers to advise of water levels in gullies? Suddenly, our fire personnel are jolted to realise that they are not trained in swift water rescue! Far too often, we hear of individuals being swept away by water and untrained individuals having to endanger their own lives to rescue. How long have the divers at Flat Bridge been requesting government assistance for gear so they could assist when a vehicle goes into the river? Will prominent persons need to die at Flat Bridge before the assistance requested by these divers can be granted? Shouldn't we possibly be looking to train as rescue personnel, individuals who live in communities in close proximity to these gullies/bridges? Let me use this medium to express my condolences to Mrs. Gray's and Mr. Calderon's family and friends, and to say congratulations to the residents of the Headley Avenue for their rescue efforts. I am, etc., MICHELL A. DIXON mdixon@antilleschemical.com.jm