Praying for Jamaica
I pray for a day in Jamaica when those we empowered will forsake partisan politics and rule with collective justice for all Jamaicans. I pray for a Jamaica that has given us a Marcus Garvey, Marley and reggae music to lead the world in collective security and not be named the murder capital of the world, but a paradise of safety and truly an isle of spring.
I pray for a Jamaica that our national motto is reflected in each of us not just words but action that leads to the manifestation of LOVE. I pray for a Jamaica where our National Anthem when we sing it means more than words, but practical applications and the National Pledge means more than written words when taken by our leaders. I pray for a Jamaica we can have dialogue on our differences leaving the guns in the abyss. I pray for Jesus' blessing upon Jamaica. 'One Love My Jamaica'.
- Derrick O'Reagan, oreagada@Airproducts.com, USA, Via Go-Jamaica
Insider as Commish
On the question on whether the next commissioner of police should be from within or from without the Jamaica Constabulary Force, I believe the next commissioner should be from within the ranks. An outsider will not be the panacea for what ails the JCF. We have had an outsider before and nothing much changed.
The men/women from within who aspire to lead the JCF all might be tainted in some way, but so is our system of government and the society in general. We need changes in the rules governing the JCF and also the law to ensure swift and harsh punishment for those convicted of crimes. An outsider will cause only acrimony and deflated morale within the JCF.
- Authnel Reid. authnelreid@optonline.net
Is it really scrap?
There is big discussion on the minister stopping the export of scrap metal, but there is still a lot not being said. There are many small manufacturers who have had machinery stolen with motor intact and presented as scrap. Their production is interrupted, jobs lost, bankers calling and the cost to replace or sub-contract work becomes time consuming and even unaffordable. To get back their equipment these small manufacturers, if bold, can pay someone to get back the equipment.
I understand that it is still illegal to accept stolen goods. The exporters of scrap metal are shielded, as they receive from collection gangs the metal with no questions asked. Maybe Minister Samuda acted too quickly, but I question even that, as this should have been done many years ago, when it was known knowledge that some of the best quality metal for the taking was the railway tracks.
- Angela Davis, Stony Hill, Rural St. Andrew
