The Editor,Sir:

For the past two years I have visited Jamaica about 15 times. With each visit I watched with pride the development of the airport. On my last visit two weeks ago, as I walked down the jetway, I saw pictures depicting Jamaica's failure to maintain one of the oldest rail systems in the western hemisphere.

Don't get me wrong, the pictures were beautiful, decaying rail cars and tracks against the backdrop of a beautiful modern airport a lovely contrast. But one must remember that displaying these at the arrival area for visitors to see does not speak well.

What would be great though are pictures of a newly revived rail system. With the high gas prices, Jamaica needs the rail. It would be good to move freight, cuts down on congested roadways and would save the country a ton of money. Did the Government consider selling bonds to raise capital to refurbish the rails? The sale of bonds with differing maturing dates would minimise hardship on the Government to repay. Don't be fooled, a flashy car is great but the rail can do much more for the country.

I am, etc.,

C. DEWDNEY

Kalvinn@msn.com

Philadelphia

Via Go-Jamaica