Guidelines for use of weed whackers

I read with interest the letter from J. Cunningham re stones being hurled at his vehicle by the weed-whackers used by the crews assigned to clear grass and shrubs from the sidewalks.

While clearing the sidewalks is a very welcome and commendable programme, it is essential that some safety controls be put in place. I had three similar episodes on Mona Road, approaching the University of the West Indies recently. There were quite a few workers deployed with their weed whackers going full blast. On one occasion, the pebbles came through my open window, and hit me on the right side of my face, just about half inch from my eye. On two other occasions in the same week, pebbles hit the side glass of my car.

Perhaps it would help to ensure that a safety cover is on all units that are used, or there should be some safety guidelines for their use. Certainly, I would not want this programme stopped.

Keith Patrick

patrick_keith@hotmail.com

Who is the First Lady?

Over the years, it has been my belief that the person referred to as Jamaica's 'First Lady' was the governor general's wife. However, I've noticed that it has now become commonplace for the moniker to be ascribed to Lorna Golding, wife of the prime minister.

Recently, I attended several functions at which the masters of ceremonies (MCs) kept referring to her in that manner. These MCs were persons who should be aware of the protocol where this is concerned.

I write to you because I am uncertain. Did I miss this change in protocol or is this a matter of 'overexuberance' on the part of the persons who make these references?

Maybe someone who is au fait with the correct usage could 'lighten my darkness'. I would be very grateful.

Mary Chambers

emcee_jm@yahoo.com

In support of agriculture

The call by Dr Wesley Hughes to support domestic agriculture as published in The Gleaner of May 19 is a welcome intervention and, although late, better late than never.

The Government needs to give serious consideration to helping agriculture. This way we will be able to feed ourselves and sell to international markets.

Irish potatoes grow well in parts of St Mary and St Catherine; carrots and peas in St Thomas; cabbages and tomatoes in St Elizabeth and yam in Trelawny.

We should expand the facility to grow more freshwater fish and shrimps for Jamaica and export markets.

Leonardo Brezhnev

leonardo7k7@yahoo.co.UK