The Editor, Sir:

One of the main reasons hindering Jamaica's progress and development as well as other third world and developing countries is the high cost of energy.

My question is: Why hasn't the government, with the support and encouragement of the environmental groups, limit importation of passenger vehicles to 1,200 cc?

In my view, four-cylinder vehicles is the way to go. Jamaica is a small and poor country which is consuming far too much energy for its size. And energy today is not cheap.

Each time the country's currency is devalued against the U.S. dollar, which has been going on unabated, oil and gasoline prices invariably increase.

One look at the country's annual energy bill tells you we cannot continue along this path. We just cannot afford to. The major car manufacturers in Asia and Europe make some very comfortable and economical cars that give good gas mileage which is easier on the environment.

In addition, their size and weight can do a lot of damage to the fragile Jamaican roads and their emission of high levels of carbon monoxide contribute greatly to global warming.

Large eight-cylinder passenger vehicles such as light trucks, big vans, limousines and SUVs should be limited to official use only - except in cases that require people to travel in large groups as in the tourist industry.

I am, etc.,

NOEL MITCHELL

Nlmworld@yahoo.com

New York, U.S.

Via Go-Jamaica