Dear Sir:

I watched the ITV television documentary The Secret Caribbean narrated by Sir Trevor McDonald, aired in the United Kingdom, Sunday, July 5, and I am still wondering whether I am in a dream, because I can't believe that the authorities in Jamaica continue to allow foreign documentary and movie makers to come into our beautiful island to produce distasteful films.

My question is, before the work permit was granted, did the authorities question what movie would be made, or what were the motives behind it, given previous documentaries, including ER, Gangs in Jamaica? There is a good old saying that people should not wash their dirty linen in public. Therefore, why did the authorities allow the team to visit the prison, and why was one of the prison officers giggling like a hyena when asked a pertinent question by Sir Trevor?

bias

Looking at the documentary in full, I think the bias against Jamaica is profound and I believe, too, that its intent was to further damage our already fragile and ailing tourist industry. If the only thing that these people can do for us is to come to our beautiful island and insult and disgrace us to the world, then prime minister, sir, please don't allow them in.

I am, etc.,

JUDITH FORBES

Forbesj58@aol.com

From pride to buffoonery

The Editor, Sir:

I am a child of the 1960s who observed the pride, common sense and intellectual prowess of Jamaicans. Now as an adult, I observe buffoonery and puffery (even from people who should know better).

We have members of Parliament defending the purchase of gas-guzzling sports utility vehicles, citing the forever-present bad road conditions of their constituency. There are business people who do not pay their honest share of taxes and even refuse to pay for the use of electricity, but they remain part of the respected of the society.

handouts

Two years ago, I was waiting to board a plane at Norman Manley International Airport, went to a rest room, during which time a female worker followed me to ask if I would like to leave "a little something" for her seeing that I was going back to foreign. Where is our pride?

I know about poverty. My grandparents were literally dirt poor, but their pride was without reproach. Over the years, I have been travelling to the island, and it is the exception when one is not accosted for handouts.

Finally, there is now a competition among people in Jamaica selling themselves as the intellectuals. Quite often, they have a series of letters after their names. Quite often they are shallow and only seek to hear their own voices, or to see their words quoted.

I am, etc.,

MARLON DAVIS

Belmon@juno.com