NOTE-WORTHY

Child protection

Jamaica as a nation must do more to stem the abuse and murders on its young children. I propose that the following be enacted into legislation:

All suspects arrested to have DNA taken and placed on the relevant databases.

Police be given powers to track and monitor known sexual predators.

A definitive child protection policy set up to cover all those who work with children, including detailed background checks and protection accreditation.

Education in schools and communities on the dangers of sexual predators.

More use of forensics; introduction of CCTV (evidence to be used in a court of law).

State to seek death penalty in cases of child murders.

- Emmerson Estrada London, UK, Via Go-Jamaica

Brief encounter

I just want to share my recent experience.

I went to the supermarket and the cashier gave me over-change. I gave it back to her, she took it, stared in my face and didn't even say, "thank you". So, I stood there and stared right in her face.

She looked at me as if I had just fallen from Mars. I said to her, "I am waiting." She said to me, "Fi wa?"

I said to her, "A thank you would me nice." She then said, "Thank you."

The person in the line behind me laughed. Remember to PRAY.

- Angela Burns jamagangie@yahoo.com

Destitute soldiers

Many retired members of the 3rd Battalion of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) who serve this country for 15-30 years faced danger, helped paved the way and set the foundation for the democracy we enjoy today have fallen on hard times and are living in squalor.

For many years, we have tried without success to get a little help from successive governments and the JDF. These soldiers have retired because of illness, some have gone blind, become crippled and some just old. Our cries have fallen on deaf ears and we have been left to languish in the corner of the Jamaican society.

If Jamaica was a country like Haiti, I believe we would have been treated much better.

- Collin Bentley, Gayle PO, St Mary

Jacks Hill problems

Lower Jacks Hill, up to Riva Ridge, has been without water now for weeks. Yet, we still get bills and when we do get a truck, we have to pay for it. Can the NWC please let us know when this problem will be fixed or if we are to keep buying water and deduct it from our bills in the future.

We now pay $4,000 for 500 gallons. If Jacks Hill looks this way and pays the most taxes, I am sorry for the poor communities as there is no hope or help for them in hell.

- Jacks Hill owner