The Editor, Sir:

I was horrified to learn that the new government has spent nearly $32 million of taxpayers' money on vehicles for its ministers (Gleaner, April 23); I had hoped it would abstain from the self-indulgence and misspending of funds of our previous administration. Prime Minster Golding has spoken candidly about the increased hardship ahead for our country; his statements are in serious conflict with the action of spending $32 million on a few public servants.

Financially, our country clearly cannot afford this. And I believe the costs are greater in human terms. In 2007, The Gleaner published a report 'A Day in the Life - Insights into the Experiences of Three Principals', which I had written with the support of the firm, Growth Facilitators. The public high-school principals I shadowed stated that the funds they received from the Ministry of Education - set school fees were beyond insufficient to carry out fundamental school operations (such as paying for electricity). Additionally, many schools have (mostly alumni-funded) welfare funds to help students eat break fast and buy lunch. Imagine what $32 million could do to support a school of 1,500 students, and a principal who spends much of his/her time fund-raising, instead of actually managing an institution.

Here to serve us

As an educator and citizen, I encourage Prime Minister Golding and the Government to remember that they are here to serve us, the taxpayers, and our nation's children, and to be aware that they, too, will have to make 'sacrifices' in the hard times we face. I ask that they reflect seriously before acting. Otherwise, they will take our nation into a deeper abyss.

I am, etc.,

ZAHRA ORANE

zsorane@yahoo.com

Kingston