Why is the public being made to think that this pay cut was a history-making gesture by the current prime minister? As a country, we keep missing the opportunity to start conversations about making the linkages with our past and present, so we can make better decisions for the future.

Some journalists seem to lack the capacity or drive to do research and help to inform the rest of us of what is new and different as against what is being dusted off and brought back, for example, the phrases, 'Eat What you Grow', 'Produce or Die'. Jamaica is such an interesting place.

What befuddles me most is the lack of integrity on the part of our politicians to even recognise and say to us, "Yes, these things were tried before, for whatever reasons they did not work, so let us come together and make them happen this time." Don't they recognise the benefits of acknowledging the facts so they can create real partnership in this country?

- Alfred Seivright, seivrighta@yahoo.com, St Ann

Impressed with PM

I was extremely impressed that the prime minister met with the children who wrote him letters asking for help for their school (Port Maria Primary in St Mary) and one giving advice on how to reduce crime (Alpha student).

This will no doubt leave an indelible mark on their young minds. They will know that they are not taken for granted, that they can make a difference. The prime minister considered their opinions and observations important enough to invite them to an official meeting where he spoke with them like a father would, and promised to help them.

Truth be told, the parish capital Port Maria has always had a flooding problem. The Port Maria Primary School, through the years, has suffered greatly. It is good that the primary school will finally receive some reprieve. All this through the efforts of Melissa Grant and Rannay Barnes.

Mario Millwood's ideas are excellent and certainly could contribute to a reduction in crimes against children when they leave home. The school-bus system certainly needs a second look.

Kudos to the prime minister for his actions in this regard. These students will remember you for a long time.

- Nebert Pryce, nebertpryce@yahoo.com, Saint Phillip, Barbados