A $5,000 bill; are you kidding me? That was what I thought when I heard about yet another of the Government's incredible plans. Against the background of the stifling economic situation and the fact that having just left college I'm just putting my foot in the water, I couldn't bear to lose $5,000 much more all in one bill. Certainly, it may be beneficial for some persons who carry around wads of cash as a $5,000 note would decrease the bulkiness, yet I still see the negatives of having it.

This new announcement has me pondering whether this is another political move by the Government. After all, governments of this country are known for using every opportunity to gain political mileage, the consequences of which are divisions along party lines and an inclination to corruption.

Moreover, the Government has indicated that the face on the bill is to be that of Hugh Shearer, a past prime minister from the Jamaica Labour Party. A very slippery slope if you ask me. When were we consulted and such a decision made?

Certainly there are more pressing issues facing us right now than the issuing of a new bill. The Government needs to be investing in those areas it continues to indicate are areas of priority such as education and health. Enough of the idle chatter!

It is sad that in a time such as this, when our level of literacy leaves much to be desired and our economic system is battling the tide of the global recession, the leadership of this country believes this is something we should undertake at this time. This is not to say I would prefer it at some other time.

I wait to see which country they are going to use as an example to indicate that this move is one we should undertake now. How I wish they would stop copying other countries when implementing social policies. Comparisons are no consolation.

I am, etc.,

TEISHA-ANN PINNOCK

tapinn1@gmail.com

Montego Bay P.O. # 2

St James