The Editor, Sir:

Last night while watching the news on television, I saw a child stricken with a medical condition, which requires her to get radiation treatment. This treatment will cost $1.2 million. An appeal was made to Jamaicans to assist by depositing contributions into a stated bank account.

My husband and I had the same idea: "you know, it would only take $1 contribution from 1.2 million Jamaicans for her to get the help she needs."

It would be so very easy, yet it has always proved so difficult, for every person in need of this type of medical attention, to get this help.

I have an idea, that I hope the relevant authorities will take into consideration.

Open a general account (not just when a particular person needs assistance) that will be used to assist persons whenever the need arises.

This could function like the Blood Bank, where well-thinking Jamaicans are asked to make regular donations to assist others in need.

Open general account

The public could deposit however much they can afford, be it $1, $5, $10 or $100. This would ensure a continuous availability of funds. One, one coco, full basket.

This account could be managed by representatives from the bank, some charitable organisation, and the Ministry of Health, for example. It is worth considering.

Possibly, the University of the West Indies and the WI/Bible Society of the West Indies could make the first contribution with a portion of the $60 million earmarked for publication of the now infamous Patois Bible.

The rest of it can be used to uplift (educationally and otherwise) some poor/neglected children in the society, among other things.

I am, etc.,

SOPHIA JARRETT BRIDGE

sophia.jarrettbridge@gmail.com

St Catherine

Via Go-Jamaica