In seeking to justify the wage freeze for public-sector workers, our prime minister likened the budget to that of a minimum-wage earner who cannot spend what he or she does not have, and in that context he announced that he would take a pay-cut .

This is a symbolic gesture by our chief servant and should be taken for what it really is, no more than a 'gesture', because that is what it really is, and nothing more. In times of harsh economic realities, gestures will not work and the people of Jamaica need real hope at this time. A pay-cut from our elected officials will not in anyway help people bundling around and below the poverty line,

What we need to see are real stances being taken by the Government to protect the weak and vulnerable among us. The prime minister, in the same forthright and strident manner in which he effected the wage freeze, must now do the same for the following:

1) Forego the decision to increase the number of parliamentary seats to 65, and decrease it instead to 55. Bear in mind that some of these MPs really are not functioning as they should and this would result in real saving and make for a more efficient Gordon House.

2) Tell the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) that no increase can be granted at this time of wage freeze. This would send a message that it is not business as usual for our major utility provider. Our manufacturing sector would then use this opportunity to increase its productivity, thereby making the production of goods and services cheaper, enabling all of Jamaica to benefit. If the JPS is unwilling to go with this, then the Government would have to make a decision to retake responsibility for the utility company. The reality of the situation is that we the consumers never really benefited from the initial divestment of the JPS; if anything, we are worse off .

3) Rethink deeply the impending decision to implement a gas tax. We just cannot afford this now and it may well be the proverbial straw that breaks the camel's back. I know the projected revenue earnings are very enticing but the backlash might be more than what we can handle in this time of recession. The Government must also be mindful that, if implemented, the gas tax will soon be accompanied by a toll-rate increase which will be due in a few months' time.

I am, etc.,

HOWARD HAMILTON

how_hamil@ yahoo.com

Portmore Pines,

St Catherine