The Editor, Sir:

In the Gleaner of July 30, I read an article written by Rev Devon Dick which is not only refreshing but different. He also deserves five stars for his article titled 'Ed Bartlett, a 5-star minister'.

We often take pleasure in criticising, bashing, tracing and discrediting others, but are reluctant to give credit and say thank you for a job well done. The job is not yet done and, therefore, I agree with Rev Dick's comments that: "The tourism budget should not have been cut. Instead, the Govern-ment should have provided additional funds to this star performing sector and this five-star minister."

Economic realities

It is a fact, Rev Dick, that: "We never once heard him blame the previous administration and their mistakes in tourism" and that "Not everything will work but he is trying". Jamaicans from all walks of life benefit from the tourism sector, economically, whether directly or indirectly, and based on the harsh economic realities with which we are faced, we should be thankful for and fully appreciative of our tourism minister's high level of performance. Yes, it appears that his philosophy is: "When the going gets tough, the tough gets going."

Thank you Mr Minister for assiduously working to save the only sector that almost all Jamaicans benefit from.

I am, etc.,

VEDA VERONA HOO

stunningvee@yahoo.com

Kingston 6