THE EDITOR, Sir:

The embassy was pleased to see a leading article on Brazil in the Lifestyle section of your newspaper on January 9. It was particularly appropriate that the subject matter dealt with an area in which there are strong cultural similarities between Jamaica and Brazil.

However, we would like to take issue with the commentary that the military police there are one of the most corrupt and violent in the world.

Our government has been strengthening the powers of police ombudsmen in every state in the country in order to combat the abuse of power by any member of the force. Through this external control of the police, Brazil hopes to preserve citizens' rights against any maltreatment.

I also take this opportunity to let you know that the embassy will be trying to arrange to bring an Afroreggae group to Jamaica this year, so that they can share their music and ideas with Jamaican youth.

I am, etc.,

CARLOS EDUARDO

DE RIBAS GUEDES

Charge d' Affaires a.i.

Embassy of Brazil