It is now quite clear that Jamaica will enter into a borrowing relationship with the IMF sooner than later. Meetings and discussions are being held with Government and their interest groups regarding this impending relationship.

How will this relationship with International Monetary Fund (IMF) affect ordinary Jamaicans, and is the Government engaging the wider public about this very important decision?

Several pundits have said the impact on Jamaica would be similar to other countries that engaged the IMF in similar borrowing arrangements. Latvia, for example, established a similar borrowing agreement with the IMF and had to make major adjustments to its economic structure in order to be qualified for this 'standby loan'. Can Jamaica deal with similar criteria?

Recently, Jamaica's public-sector workers were denied a seven per cent pay increase. Is it that Government will have to further cut public-sector salaries? How are we going to reduce the deficit?

This will be a challenge! The way forward must definitely be one of full disclosure. Let us know what the situation will be subsequent to this agreement.

- Franklyn Gilpin

goug_23@yahoo.com

Portmore

On a recent trip home, I came across some individuals who made me once again realise that despite all that is going on in my home country, there are people there who treat you like you are the most important person in the world.

I would like to thank the young woman at the Digicel store at the Norman Manley International Airport who saw me struggling to get inside the store with my bags to buy a phone card on Wednesday, June 17, about4 p.m. She met me at the door said hello and offered to get the phone card for me and to also transfer it to my phone. Kudos to her and her team for being ready and willing to go beyond what was expected of them.

I had to visit the bank while in Jamaica on two occasions while there. At Scotiabank in Linstead, St Catherine, I was helped by a young man whose name I think was Leon. He worked the number one station on June 19. He was kind, helpful, courteous, friendly and he truly exemplifies what customer service is all about.

I had also received attentive service at another branch of Scotiabank in New Kingston on two other occasions and my transactions were well taken care off.

My one criticism is that staff sometimes do not wear name tags. It would help, especially in a situation like this, when you are trying to thank someone.

- Michelle Walker

michwal2401@yahoo.com

Fredericksburg, Virginia