In light of the recent scare in Manchester in relation to the H1N1 virus, I would suggest that establishments throughout Jamaica who insist on handing patrons dingy, tattered and sometimes 'dirty' tickets which have been handled by hundreds of individuals desist from doing so.

From literature online, it appears that the virus can be transmitted for an eight-hour period (I stand corrected by the relevant experts) and the car tickets/slips of paper can easily spread the virus from one unsuspecting person to another.

Must we now walk around with a box of antispectic wipes and disinfect everything that we receive from others?

Concerned Individual

Kingston 6

The last administration undertook the construction of the Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium - much-needed facility in the western end of the island - at great cost. Few would argue that it was not required - Cricket World Cup 2007 and all that.

Now, why should the University of Technology (UTech) be given this facility to convert it into a campus? I am sure several other large parcels of land could be acquired for UTech's expansion. I am all for the sharing of facilities wherever this will result in optimum use resulting in saving scarce funds, but UTech personnel should think outside the box and not be swayed by desire to 'capture' the Trelawny stadium

Burdened Taxpayer

Kingston 8.

I sat in my car at a busy intersection in Half-Way Tree as pedestrians made their way across. All the schoolboys in uniform wore ear knobs. I felt a numbness in my stomach. My questions is: Are teachers hiding behind their desks while principals peep through their office curtains?

What a mess! May our long-serving dedicated teachers rest in peace and may God have mercy on those of us who feel utterly embarrassed.

E. Robinson

r_eugena@yahoo.com

P.O. Box 98

Port Maria, St Mary

I couldn't help but note the use of the term 'blacklisted' in reference to the delisting of an invigilator in this year's GSAT exams.

I do not think that a newspaper serving the needs of a largely black audience should allow the use of 'black' as a pejorative expression, as this only serves to reinforce old stereotypes and associations with both the colour and the people.

Ryan Palmer

roppalmer@hotmail.com

Tallahassee

Florida