I have to agree with the minister of labour that the nurses' behaviour earlier this week was nothing short of embarrassing. For a group that reminds us very often that they are professionals the members of the Nurses Association of Jamaica are exhibiting behaviour that contradicts this picture.

I am in complete understanding of the frustration that the members might be experiencing based on the delay in the implementation of their reclassification agreement, but the public should probably be made fully aware of the underlying circumstances that have led to this extension.

However, for a group that should 'naturally' be caring and considerate, I see no effort to understand the economic situation that the country is facing and to compromise on the means to their end of more pay. Have they considered what more pay to the nurses will mean for the rest of the economy? With the supplementary budget being read on Wednesday, they probably haven't had the time to, and will do so now, in their deliberations at the Ministry of Labour.

I would certainly love to see how another individual/group would be treated after such blatant disrespect and disregard for their employer and head of the country. Nurse Edith Allwood-Anderson needs to wake up and realise that she is not presenting a good image to the young ones in our society who are aspiring to be part of this 'noble' profession.

I am, etc.,

JULIA CAMPBELL

Waterford PO

St Catherine