According to news reports, the seven per cent salary increase to government workers cannot be paid, as there is no money. Of course, we got the predictable response from the National Workers' Union.

Here is the problem - Jamaica is between a rock and a very hard place. None of the usual solutions will work. Across-the-board increases have helped to widen the gap between the top and the bottom of the salary scale. Do the math - five per cent of $10,000, versus five per cent of $5 million. So, what do we do? Ask for sacrifices from those who can best afford them. Give the salary increases to those below a certain income level and freeze those above. This is to be applied to everyone (private and public sector).

Now, I know that businesses exist to make profits, but it can't be that a given profit margin has to be defended at all costs. Can our manufacturers inject some reality into their costing, or is the Government going to have to freeze prices?

To our farmers - if you wish to not only survive, but to succeed - you have to conduct your business as a business. Can you grow green peas or any other agricultural product for processing? Then go to the processing plants and hotels (use your commodity boards) and negotiate for them to take your crop at a reasonable price, and be advised that documents you sign are legal documents that you can't just opt out of if you don't feel like it at the last moment.

We need to look at things from a Jamaican point of view, like the higglers who spoke about Air Jamaica in Monday's edition of The Gleaner. They faced facts and hard reality and acknowledged that steps needed to be taken.

May we take our cues from them.

I am, etc.,

JEAN FORBES

jean_forbes@yahoo.com

59 Norbrook Drive

Kingston 8