There is a financial crisis taking place globally, which has, undoubtedly, affected us locally. Thousands of individuals have lost their jobs. Some employers have had to introduce reduced work days in order to keep operations going and businesses have been severely affected.

Government members, led by the prime minister, have taken a cut in their salaries and I commend them for that move. The leader of the Opposition, whom I would have expected to follow suit, and to have encouraged others in her party to do so in the best interest of the country and its people, did not. What a shame.

Its ugly head

I cannot, for the life of me, understand why the unions are not in support of the Government's asking workers to hold strain in order to secure jobs. Is it politics rearing its ugly head?

Never have I seen so many groups coming out - almost simultaneously - to pressure a government for increased salaries. Never have I seen such aggressive reactions from these same groups. Are there elements out there hoping that, by pressuring the Government for a salary increase, and the Government's not being able to grant same, will eventually lead to a shut down of the country?

I am, etc.,

ANDREA LAWRENCE

St Catherine