The Editor, Sir:

Would someone please look at the prospect of growing hemp? Yes, it is a member of the cannabis family, but will actually 'cancel' the hallucinogenic qualities of marijuana if grown close to its cousin plant.

Hemp requires no pesticides and grows faster than cotton. My country (United States) and its politicians have everyone thinking that hemp is marijuana. Actually, the U.S. grew hemp before World War II.

Hemp can be used as fuel, rope, paper and clothing. I would love to see Jamaica formulate its own degumming process too ... the fabric actually gets stronger after wetting.

Please be careful. I read the article on the cure for cancers, too. I am so afraid that the white businessman and his greed will continue to 'screw' black islands and continents. They continue to try to destroy Mother Africa, because of its natural resources. I am an African-American female, who simply loves the beauty and simplicity of your island. Sometimes modern technologies cause us to forget to think for ourselves.

I don't know that much about Rastafarianism, but I do believe that they believe in the simple things. I believe that the good Lord put everything that we need right outside our windows.

Hoping to live in Jamaica one day!

I am, etc.,

ERIKA MIDDLETON YUILLE

Yuilletidings@comcast.net

Columbia, Maryland

Via Go-Jamaica