Create hope for our young people
Dear Dr Abel,
I read your article and see where you call for 'more training programme', but I would say more vocational training programmes. Thanks for that. In 1974, former Prime Minister Michael Manley introduced vocational training programmes in secondary schools throughout Jamaica but some school principals did not see the importance of the programmes.
Some of them look down on vocational programmes and encourage students to keep to the science subjects and when they leave school they have no jobs.
Vocational students usually have to go on work experience in their field of study and based on their performance are awarded part-time and holiday jobs that can take them to permanent jobs. It should be compulsory for every student leaving schools to have a vocational subject as a backup.
I am writing to you, sir, because I know that they will listen to you; vocational training programmes are the key to the success of Jamaica. HEART TRUST/NTA needs to take up back its role in vocational training.
Leonard G Bowra
MSc in computer science
Dear Dr Abel,
As an online Gleaner reader, I would be happy if some of you guys, in your writings distinguish between attended and graduated, credit, gain, attain and passes, read and study.
Quite frequently I read in The Gleaner the following: He is reading for a bachelor's degree instead of studying; he attended Wolmer's. I graduated from Wolmer's, but my friend attended Wolmer's because he didn't pass all his subjects to get a high school diploma. I gained college credits but passed my GCEs with an A in mathematics
I just feel that it's time that we change some of the language to avoid confusions. Some years ago, I applied for a job and mentioned that I attended a particular college and when I inquired why I was not invited for an interview, the person said that they were looking for college graduates and I had only attended. Good day.
Dear Dr Abel,
In regards to your article, you know it is funny because I used to attend Calabar High School and I left with four CXC subjects and was given the opportunity in February 2005 to work as a teller, I worked very hard and I gave all my time to the job and upgraded myself by sitting examinations in English language and business administration but my contract was not renewed.
I just wrote this letter because the story you told of the Wolmer's boy really hurt my heart because I am in the same position and it is young men like us who will start to do criminal activities.
D. Thomas
Jamaica's botanical
Dear Dr Robertson,
I am writing with reference to your response to letters regarding the turmeric article published Wednesday, June 18, particularly the line: "Did you know that turmeric and curry are imported?"
Turmeric is produced locally and it is the major component of our curry powder, which is produced right here in Jamaica. It would be safe to say that our company is the largest purchaser of locally grown turmeric and producer of curry powder in Jamaica. Like our ginger and coffee, our local turmeric has a different flavour, which is superior to that of the imported turmeric. Not only does it impart a particular flavour, but it also imparts that rich curry colour in our local cuisine.
As a result of the flavour and the colour of our locally produced curry, we have our niche market both locally and internationally that only uses 'Betapac Curry Powder'. So, to clarify your statement that 'turmeric and curry are imported', yes they are imported, but it is to supplement the demand as the local turmeric producers are not able to produce the quantities needed. We, therefore, need to encourage our farmers to produce more local turmeric.
Kirk Hoo
Betapac Limited
Send questions and comments to our health specialists at Your Health, c/o The Gleaner, 7 North Street, Kingston; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com. Unless otherwise indicated, letters and the specialists' responses are usually published.
