The Editor, Sir:

My concern for the safety of Jamaican fishermen is heightened each time there is news of a tragedy at sea amongst them. Recently I listened with bated breath when a councillor spoke about the fishermen practising better safety measures, expecting to hear a proposed solution to the problem but didn't.

I wonder why in this age of advanced technology are local fishermen still using those small boats - with the only improvement to them since the days of the Tainos, being the material they are made from and small engines instead of oars? Those small boats were safe for the Tainos as they did not have to venture far out at sea to make a bountiful catch. Now, because of over-fishing, fishermen have to go much further and spend longer time at sea.

Unregulated financial clubs

Isn't it time that the Fisheries Division of the Ministry of Agriculture set some guidelines as to the type of boats that should be used in order to ensure the safety of the fishermen? Has the department thought of attracting investors to invest in some modern fishing vessels? Judging from the assumedly billions of dollars invested in unregulated financial clubs I believe it shouldn't be too hard to get persons interested in this type of investment. The fisher folks could hire the boats and who knows what other business could develop - fishing competition maybe. To whom it may concern - please think outside of the box and save our fishermen.

I am, etc.,

JOAN LEWIS

joybevedwards@yahoo.com

80 Claremont Heights

Old Harbour PO