I WISH to comment on the police- wage negotiation which has been protracted and has become a seemingly very painful exercise. While it is accepted that the police deserve an increase in pay, it is also obvious that the funds are not available to grant the increase.

I humbly suggest that instead of holding out for a pay increase that the focus should be on benefits. We may wish to look at the Veterans Administration in the United States where, in some instances, reward their vets by allowing them to receive full financing to purchase their homes.

I know it is the dream of most Jamaicans to own their own home and that a major deterrent is to acquire the down payment. Maybe the government, in conjunction with the National Housing Trust and other mortgage institutions could put in place a scheme where the police can access full financing for a home purchase, whether singly or with a spouse or relative. In the long run this should prove more profitable than a top-up in salary.

I am,etc.,

Pauline Smith

psmithjam@hotmail.com

11 West Path

Calabar Mews