The Editor, Sir:

I have just read the article 'Jamaica importing jerk seasoning?' Of course, we should place the imported stuff on the supermarket shelves beside the local jerk seasoning and, in the end, there must be a message sent.

However, let me hasten to inform you and the readers that a black American, in 1980, is credited as the inventor of coconut oil (because she patented the product). Some years ago, some Americans tried to patent steel band music, and Trinidad took them to court to prevent them making that claim and won.

We should seek to preserve our local inventions and products.

I am, etc.,

Gerald A. Stewart

geraldstewart@bellsouth.net

Snellville, Georgia