Why is Lime Cay closed?

Which short-sighted and underworked politician thought it was a good idea to close such a low-cost and relatively safe vacation spot for the entire Corporate Area? Forgive me for only becoming aware of this yesterday, but I am a graduate student and so often miss news stories for weeks on end.

It seems to me that that problem might have some similarities with corporal punishment. When it is child abuse it is easy to determine. The issue is in the finer line between punishing a child which leads to respect for a parent versus fear of that parent. Lime Cay sure is close to Old Harbour which probably has some industrial and human waste, but is it really more dangerous than say, Hellshire? The lack of restroom facilities is a joke of a reason. Disposable pit toilets could have solved that issue and are currently used in many natural parks where running water is unavailable.

The recreation and economic value of this island can hardly be overstated. Kingston families could easily afford the time and money to make the trip. Fishermen could easily supplement their income, and hence not need to resort to overfishing and/or more destructive fishing practices.

- Andrew Ricketts

andrew_rricketts@hotmail.com

Not so lovely cricket

Just where is West Indies Cricket headed? We have become the laughing stock of the world cricket. No one seems to care and the board and players don't have a clue. The performance in the recent Test series in England was a disgrace. You can clearly see the only motivation in playing is for money and more money. Forget about performance and results.

This recent impasse between the board and players clearly sums up where we are as a cricketing entity. The damage being done to our proud cricketing heritage is reckless and dangerous. The players don't seem to get it. We cannot attract sponsors and lucrative deals for our game. They are short-changing current sponsors as our cricket becomes more and more unattractive to would-be sponsors and the paying public.

With the Test series in Australia later this year and another tour to England in 2010, we run the risk people will just not turn out to see West Indies play cricket just as in the second Test in Durham this year. In this economic downturn I am surprised at the attitude of demanding and seeking more financial reward when they (the players) do not perform and turn out below par performances.

- Leebert Jollie

Leebert1@gmail.com

Hammersmith

London