It is a pity that Sir Kenneth and Lady Hall are departing from King's House after such a short tour of duty. However, I am appalled to read some of the oxymoronic as well as disturbing comments regarding Sir Kenneth's successor.

Why? Certain writers seem to endorse the appointee, but mildly cast aspersions at the fact that he is a Seventh-day Adventist and is thus, "tied to a particular segment of society". Others, who appear not to want to give youth a chance, suggest that either Frank Phipps, Alfred Sangster or Barry Chevannes would have been a better choice, for they "understand Jamaica's multi-faceted culture, its dynamism, texture, challenges and possibilities". The question is, are these retired men not tied to parti-cular segments of society? Do they understand everything? Why do we unconsciously ignore the potential which lies in our young men as role models and often seek to reshuffle older men?

I would like to add that Dr Allen's selection should be endorsed by all Jamaicans who believe in the promise of youth, because it is the first time that a GG who is younger than three score years and is of Dr Allen's calibre has been chosen to represent the country; and guess what? He does not hail from western Jamaica or the Corporate Area.

I am, etc.,

GLORIA V. BURKE

gburke2002@yahoo.com