More diplomacy needed

In response to Rev Devon Dick's column in Wednesday's Gleaner, I think I'm correct in saying that teachers are civil servants, therefore employees of the Government.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding is a respected and very intelligent man. Even if there are elements of doubt for his outburst and remarks, I really do think he could have handled the matter in a more diplomatic way for someone in his position. He needs to do more than apologise. He really should respect and handle his employees and the very people whom he rules over, if he wishes to continue to exercise authority.

I don't even want to think about the amount of damage such a statement will have on the already fragile relationship between some parents, teachers and students.

Lillian Roberts, Lilian@strowmar.co.uk

State of hospital

Having seen the report in The Gleaner yesterday that the minister of health has expressed disgust at the state of the Noel Holmes Hospital in Lucea, Hanover, I have to state that the hospital has been in that state for years and the previous government did nothing to help.

Those poor people in Hanover have to go to the Cornwall Regional in Montego Bay, or to Savanna-la-Mar for every procedure they need done, which cost them so much money. Please, Mr Spencer, see what you can do to help. It is a shame how the parish has been treated.

Jean Sutherland, vlittlejeanie01@aol.com, Via Go-Jamaica

Conscience voting

"The lady doth protest too much, methinks." Why did this quote from Hamlet spring into my mind the minute I read the article on page A3 of The Gleaner on Wednesday, September 24, titled "House committee condemns 'vote-on-conscience' comment?"

Granted, the protesters were mostly men, but my sentiments remain the same. Would these parliamentarians like to remind the public just when they did vote contrary to the party line on any matter over the years?

Joan Williams, greatestj@hotmail.com, Via Go-Jamaica.

Forced to pay?

I have read Rev Dick's comments, and while I do agree that the word 'extort' is strong, by his own extraction of the meaning of the word 'extort' from the Webster's Dictionary, he has made clear the situation I faced when, on the first day of school, the parents of students of a publicly funded primary school were told in no uncertain terms that if they did not pay the "PTA fee" their children would not be registered properly at the school.

Isn't this the use of official authority to "obtain from an unwilling or reluctant person ... ", and isn't this intimidatory in and of itself? While I am, like most parents, willing to support my child's school, don't force me to. Ask and you shall receive.

Concerned father of two