One of the first measures instituted by Bruce Golding on becoming prime minister was that of increasing mortgage rates. The average man now pays more for mortgages; light bills have doubled, water rates and food bills have increased as well.

How can we afford a salary freeze, much more a cut at this time? We have no allowances to cushion these blows. He is not exposed to the costs we are. Jamaica House has "all expenses paid".

Again, he has shown us we are not in the same league.

I am, etc.,

KAREN REID

karenareid@gmail.com