Constitution important

I am disturbed by the writer's opinion expressed in 'A wasted opportunity for political maturity' (March 12), that the upcoming by-election for the seat in West Portland is a distraction and a period of divisiveness for the country.

How can a politician having ignored the requirements of our Constitution be considered a distraction? Jamaica is not a political fiefdom; it is a country, supposedly, governed by the rule of law. Why is it divisive to challenge those who are unwilling to be shackled by the laws of our Constitution?

Far from being a distraction, it is a sign of political maturity when constitutional infractions are challenged and resolved in our courts instead of with gunfire in our streets.

- R. Oscar Lofters, lofters1@aol.com, Kingston 8

Ganja raids increase in St Bess

With the recent news in the US and continental Europe about legalising medical marijuana and providing it for cancer patients, one would think that Jamaica would be smart and try to profit from an excess of ganja farming.

Jamaica has always been known for top-quality weed (not that I speak from experience), and we could certainly come up with a plan to capitalise on our growing this plant. Why would we destroy 600 lb of ganja when we could legally channel it to the US for medical purposes.

These are tough economic times, and I believe we need to think rationally and logically. I am sure that we could have profited from the acres of land that were destroyed.

License the farmers and form a deal with medical companies and government entities to capitalise on our natural potential. Who said it's a bad thing to profit from something so taboo?

- Melissa L., mlatore@gmail.com

Bauxite forward sales

I am hoping this nonsense between Dr Carlton Davis and Claude Clarke stops and we see a fresh start to new ideas for moving the country forward. Bauxite/alumina 'forward sales' were, and remain, a necessary evil for Jamaica. It is obvious that timing is everything but often timely decisions have to be made. Hindsight is 20/20 and the nation understands.

Forward sales is parallel to taking a loan which many people have had to do personally some time in their lifetime.

- L. Williams, willwed@msn.com