THE EDITor, Sir:

EVEN THOUGH we don't have the money to pay the police and teachers, they are still demanding it. Perhaps we should start to demand better care for our students. Perhaps teachers should start to show that they truly deserve what they are demanding. Why should we pay them a penny more so they can continue to fail our children?

The fact that the money is not there is no secret to anyone, but do the teachers care? They are showing how much they care about Jamaica by threatening to do a no-show for the reopening of schools next month. Let me ask these teachers one question: Who do you think is going to hurt more when you fail to show up at school opening? Ten years from now these same students who you are already failing and now showing that your money is more important than their education are probably the ones who are going to kick down your doors for a dollar. In your own interest, show some dignity and care by being reasonable about your pay demands.

The same goes for the police who themselves are failing Jamaica. You are demanding your seven per cent yet the crime rate remains high. Perhaps, we should demand that you bring down the crime rate and prove to us that we should pay you a penny more for doing nothing. How much more unreasonable can you people be? Your pocket is more important than the growth of this nation.

Not a political problem

You people fail to realise that this is not a government or opposition problem, but rather a Jamaican problem. It is unfortunate that the Opposition see it fit to politicise this global crisis by making it seems as if it were in power things would have been any better. Only the naive would be quick to believe that. Where was the global crisis when we failed to move forward in the 1990s.

Unless all Jamaicans are willing to come together and play their part, we might as well forget about any hope of growth.

I urge the police, teachers, nurses and anyone else demanding what is not there to use their conscience.

I am, etc.,

Brian Lynch

jam_qol@yahoo.com

Mandeville