I'm a Jamaican who has seen Trevor McDonald's documentary and I simply cannot agree that he has defamed our country in any way. Of all the English-speaking Caribbean islands, it is a fact that we have the highest crime rate, the most widespread poverty and weakest economy.

Because of the vast numbers of Jamaicans seeking greener pastures abroad, our nationals are being actively harassed at many CARICOM ports of call.

Our political standing in the region is so badly weakened that Trinidad's Prime Mminister Patrick Manning didn't even bother consulting us before forming a political alliance with other Caribbean territories. Our Caribbean neighbours have become so wealthy that they can refuse our meagre exports without fear of any real economic or political retribution from Jamaica.

Visa waivers

The US has already waived visa requirements for citizens of The Bahamas and the European Union is about to do the same for those of Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados and St Kitts and Nevis.

We can huff and puff with all the righteous indignation in the world, but shooting the messenger won't make the message any less truthful.

I am, etc.,

WILLIAM J. TODD

williamjtodd@yahoo.com