This is in response to Martin Henry's Sunday column titled 'The political economy of chicken imports':

Dear Mr Henry:

Your conclusions on the Government's decision to import 'cheap' American-produced chicken meat falls short of a detailed analysis of the issue.

Let me make a few observations:

There are no cheap food imports but subsidised imports which the major economies retain the right to practice and destroy local economies. It is ridiculous to believe that the imported chicken can be cheaper than 'just-in-time' locally-produced chicken that does not have to be stored, financed, transported and handled before it reaches the Jamaican consumer.

Second, you appear very willing to accept the propaganda of 'Chuck' the importer who has little or nothing invested in the local economy.

I suggest that you think about the benefits to the Jamaican economy when jobs are created and Jamaicans have a chance to participate in the economic process than remain on the margins and slip into anti-social activity the cost of which we are reminded about on a daily basis.

Maybe it would be helpful if you investigated to whom these import licences were issued. It could be very revealing.

I am, etc.,

E. JONES

Kingston