The Editor, Sir:

Jamaicans abroad have sent home money to their families and in so doing contribute much needed foreign exchange to the country.

The latter is a by-product of the former and not the main objective.

Jamaicans at home also support their families, but without that valued by-product; same action but with a somewhat different outcome.

Many Jamaicans abroad, like me, left after receiving an education paid for in full or part by the people of Jamaica. When the Jamaican people paid for our education it was in expectation of a return on their investment.

Indebted to Jamaica

With a margin tax rate of 58 per cent, my contribution to the Swedish government in any year far outstrips what I contribute to Jamaica in any decade. Thus Sweden is the main benefactor of Jamaica's investment.

I still see myself as the debtor and the Jamaican people as my creditor. They have been very gracious, while I walked out on the deal, went abroad, and watered down my allegiance by gaining a second citizenship.

Neither the Jamaican government nor people are complaining much about my negligence. I thank them!

It would be an injustice to the people of Jamaica who remained true, to be considered my equal.

And, one wonders, what will be the general reaction when my blond-haired, blue-eyed Swedish husband and step-children descend on Jamaica, claim citizenship and seek to gain places in parliament while still clutching their Swedish passport?

This is a two-edged sword.

I am, etc.,

DOREEN McGANN

doreenmcgann@aim.com

OrionvSgen 20

JSrfSlla, Stockholm

Sweden

Via Go-Jamaica