It is painfully obvious that this Government has certainly taken a backward step in education. How else can you rationalise charging tax on computers and printed matter?

Every country in the Caribbean and indeed the rest of the world has plans of increasing the number of computers per household, thus empowering citizens to get information literally at their fingertips.

Some countries like Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago have even been offering special loans to people who want to purchase computers.

Sadly, Jamaica is on a drive to reduce the number of computers per household, thus putting the citizens in a disadvantageous position when compared to others. It is no wonder that the levels of education and awareness are much higher in these countries than Jamaica.

Too much burden

Who will now be able to purchase computers and books for their families to explore? Certainly none of those people who have either lost their jobs or are on fixed income without the possibility of pay increase, or those who are on 'frozen salaries'.

The citizens are being forced to take on too much, something will have to give. I hope peace and calm will prevail in Jamaica, but nothing can be guaranteed.

I am, etc.,

Nebert Pryce

nebertpryce@yahoo.com