When I read President Obama's speech that he made in Ghana to the African nations, I could not help but think of my homeland and what we have been going through over the years.

When he spoke about bribery at the ports, police being bought out by drug pushers, corrupt government ministers who skim for themselves and their families, it made me feel sick to the stomach knowing that we are facing the same thing in Jamaica.

While I speak out against reporters from overseas who use our weakness as a way to make money and fame, I also have to admit that things are not all good 'a yard' and yes it is all due to those in authority who abuse their power daily for selfish gains.

As a young man in the 1970s, I remember having a leader who had high hopes and vision for our country, but then he was betrayed by some of the very ones he trusted around him who all wanted power and wealth over country. We are still paying for this.

Healthy food

Jamaica has more than enough land and talented people who can work to make our lives better. It amazes me to see Americans and Europeans travelling the globe to find healthy food while Jamaicans and other countries that already have these herbs and foods turn around and buy them from overseas. It is time for us to wake up as a nation and stop being our own enemy.

I am, etc.,

WINSTON MATHISON

wemathison@yahoo.co.uk

New York