After marrying a Jamaican girl and making numerous trips back a yard with my family, it has been interesting to follow your election because it is very similar situation to the election we had here in Canada in January of last year.

We too had a government which had been in power for a long time, with no real plan to change things from the way they had always been. The opposition had well-thought out policies and real promises they could keep. Some people said that a change wouldn't make a difference, but enough Canadians felt that change was needed and a new government was elected.

Since then, a real change has been taking place. Canada is leading many countries in growth, our health-care system is improving and laws to get tough on crime are being passed. So, if someone says: will a change of government make a difference in Jamaica, I can only say 'nuh mus!'

- Roy Taylor

rtaylor@bellnet.ca

For a long time, Peter Espeut and other caring and thoughtful contributors to The Gleaner have been warning of the damage that we have been doing to our environment. We have polluted our air, our beaches and wetlands. We have carelessly caused the erosion of our hills and mountains and destruction of trees in our watershed areas. I have recently witnessed an environmental crime that is repeated too often in Jamaica.

There is a village of lush vegetation called Williamsfield in Westmoreland, which is serviced by the Venture river, the source of which is just outside the village. Recently, the vegetation surrounding this source was removed and the banks and bed of the river widened to create a huge swimming and recreation area. I predict that very soon heavy rains will wash away the banks and begin silting up the river.

Garbage discarded by the growing numbers of dancehall revellers and swimmers will soon pollute the entire course of the river and Jamaica will lose another jewel, while the authorities display scant interest.

- R. Oscar Lofters, Lofters1@aol.com, Kingston 8,