I have been reading all the articles regarding the possible reduction in the civil service and have noticed that one issue has been left out - redundancy payments.

If the Government of Jamaica decides to reduce the civil service by the thousands, as speculated, where will the redundancy payments come from? I ask because I note that the Government wants to pay the retroactive money due to persons in the sector in 2013, so how do they propose to finance the reduction in the service?

I will not deny that there may be the need to modernise the service but it has to be approached strategically and not just an across-the-board cut. I, therefore, agree with those who have requested that a manpower audit or something to this effect be carried out. This, however, would have to be closely aligned to the corporate strategy of each ministry and department.

I will, therefore, once again ask the Government, when positions have been decided to be cut, how will the redundancy payments be financed? Surely, not from the International Monetary Fund.

Ann-Marie Charles

annmariecharles1960@yahoo.com

Kingston

Congrats, Norma Harrack

I wish to join in congratulating Norma Harrack on receiving a national honour in recognition of her work.

She is not only dedicated to excellence in her work, she is consistent in becoming better with each project, and I am sure my fellow Jamaicans will join me in wishing her continued success in her future endeavours.

Gloria Moodie

gloriamo@cwjamaica.com

Pollution for power?

At the opening of the Bogue generating plant, Prime Minister Bruce Golding informed us of his intention to have a coal-burning plant installed in Jamaica.

Has the prime minister obtained sufficient information regarding the pros and cons of a coal-burning plant on the environment?

The United States (US), with an abundant supply of coal, has a little under 500 coal power plants, each averaging in size of 667 megawatts, most of which have been built more than 40 years ago, and the contribution to pollution of the environment has been immense.

Sunlight is what Jamaica has in abundance, and that's the form of energy we should be giving most attention to. The initial cost will be higher, but in the long run will prove more economical, financially and environmentally.

Everett Thompson

evthom@msn.com