Jamaica a druggie paradise?

We now realise that someone's perception of our country is that it is a 'druggie paradise'. Although we feel upset about this, that is the way we are being viewed by The Sun. We need to ask ourselves what it is that we can learn from it. What can we do to change this perception?

I think we need to be even more aggressive in trying to get rid of drugs in our country, Jamaica. After all, the newspaper could have used instead the headline 'The war zone of criminals'.

The fact is that no one would ever call us a 'gay paradise'. Why? Because we have no tolerance for that and the message is loud and clear. Therefore, we must hold our heads up and adopt a no-tolerance approach to crime and drugs as well.

- Sandra Foster

Sandrafoster51@yahoo.com

Innswood, St Catherine

Ocho Rios in need of attention

I have just returned from a vacation in Ocho Rios and wish to air my views.

How have the authorities allowed this resort town to fall into such disrepair? If this is the best face of the town that visitors can see, we are headed for major problems. The town is dirty, roads are in disrepair and the place is full of hustlers and 'sharks'.

Tourism Minister Ed Bartlett talks a good game, but when was the last time he visited Ocho Rios? Is he proud to welcome tourists to Ocho Rios in the condition it is in? Perhaps a solution to Labour Minister Pearnel Charles' employment woes would be to employ several hundred people on a project of beautification and general infrastructure works.

The powers that be need to fix Ocho Rios; the hardworking people of this resort town deserve better. We should also remember tourists do have a choice where to spend their vacation time and dollars.

Leebert Jollie

- volvoman69@hotmail.com

Hammersmith, London

Pensioners as liability

I am calling on the Government to review its strategy to take back the pension, in tax, that they have given to the old people who have worked for Jamaica.

I am now a liable to the Ministry of Finance for $30,000.

My suggestion, Mr Minister, is to keep my NIS pension book, which is now due. If this is all a government can do for a pensioner well over 70 years, I would like to live in peace. This is a cruel blow to thousands of us.

As of now, I will keep the pension books, then endorse the cheque leaves and return them to the Ministry of Finance.

Pensioner.

Little Cambridge, Port Maria, St Mary