THE EDITOR, Madam:
THIS IS a public letter to Minister Paulwell.
Minister Paulwell:
I must say that I am deeply and truly hurt by this increase granted to Cable & Wireless. I am shocked and outraged at the per cent increase given to this billion-dollar company at a time when the Government of Jamaica has asked the public to accept single-digit salary increases.
Why should an office attendant, earning say $7,000 per month, be asked to take a measly 6 per cent salary increase, while a billion-dollar monopoly be granted a whopping double digit per cent increase in revenue.
It grieves me to know that in this time of economic and emotional instability, this administration would condone such an incisive blow to the hearts and souls of the Jamaican people. Spirits are low today, Minister Paulwell. At a time when crime and violence is out of control we have been raped. The people of this country have been molested by Cable & Wireless and this Administration.
Just a few years back the nation was held at ransom during the gas riots. Have you forgotten why this riot took place? The Government attempted to outsmart us by 'rolling back the tax' and then hiking the price up slowly each quarter. We are neither blind nor stupid. Tuesday's announcement hit hard; possibly hard enough to result in a 'telephone riot'.
I am a 20-year-old university student who will never own a home, never own a car, and never be able to pay my telephone bill. What next? Electricity or water? But that is another story. Perhaps I should have said 'utility riot'...
I am etc.,
CANDI WHITTICK
St. Catherine
Via Go-Jamaica
