The Editor, Sir:

Permit me to make an observation re education in Jamaica. Inspite of the much-talked about early childhood education in Jamaica and the planned solution for the problems of thousands of children leaving primary schools unable to read and write, it seems to be not much more than talk as the money to bring about these changes does not seem to be available.

My observations are these. The education tax brings in more money than the National Insurance Fund and much more than HEART/NTA, if one looks at the great work being done by HEART and they have a lot of money to spare.

The NIS has been able to provide for most of Jamaica's pensioners and after offering to lend Government one billion dollars, has a fund of over 45 billion dollars.

The NHT has been able to satisfy a great portion of our housing needs, was able to lend education five billion dollars and still has vast financial resources in hand.

My suggestion is that if the Government puts half of the education tax in a fund similar to the National Insurance Fund and use the proceeds to support early childhood education exclusively, this would guarantee that basic schools all over Jamaica would be adequately furnished and qualified teachers provided.

This would bring about vast improvement to the foundation of Jamaica's education.

The Consolidated Fund will not miss this investment, but the country would reap great dividends.

I am, etc.,

IVAN T. GREEN J.P. B.H.(L)

P.O. Box 36

Christiana