THE EDITOR, Sir:

THERE IS no scientific procedure to making a decision whether or not to go back to the bargaining table with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

To date, I have read no concrete reason for or against the notion. What we, as the public, would like to know is, first of all, what were the factors that we considered harmful to our development that was included in the IMF criteria for their funding in our past contracts? We would also like to know if and how those criteria have changed in the positive because that is the only basis upon which Finance Minister Audley Shaw can assert that the IMF has grown up.

Desperately in need of funds

We do desperately need some form of funding soon because the effect of the global financial meltdown has not yet had a full impact on Jamaica, and we need to be prepared as best as possible. Therefore, if the IMF has actually 'grown up', and their terms are favourable to us, Shaw would have my fullest support for returning to the table with the Fund. I even further applaud him for having the guts to face the nation with such a horrifying (to everyone who suffered under the perils of the IMF) suggestion.

On the contrary, I would hope there is no political trickery at work here. It would be to all of us and our children's detriment. Warren Buffett is no longer the richest man in the world. No one, no one is immune to the current global financial catastrophe.

I am, etc.,

MARLON TUCKER

Whopdem@aol.com

Ocala

Florida