The Editor, Sir:

I find it quite strange that while many of us here in Jamaica join commentators around the world by saying that it would be good for America or indeed the world if Senator Obama is elected president as his family ties and experience of living abroad provide a greater understanding of the world than Mr Bush or any of the other contenders, while at the same time some Jamaicans with dual citizenship cannot set foot in Gordon House!

I have dual citizenship with Britain and I can assure you it was obtained after giving the most productive years of my life to that country, and then a cash payment which at the time to me was a lot of money or lose some of the benefits I have worked for while at the same time sending remittances to Jamaica. It was just a business transaction to secure my future, plain and simple, it does not make me any less of a Jamaican.

Remarkable experience

I will give thanks until the day I die that I had the opportunity to 'live' not just visit or do a course of study in another country, I had the chance to live and work among people who have lived and worked in other countries also, their understanding, respect and the ability to do business with peoples of a different place of birth is quite remarkable.

I am, etc.,

PHIL FOSTER

Southfield, St Elizabeth