Happy Jamaica? Bah, humbug!

Recently we have been informed that Jamaica is the third happiest country in the world by The Happy Planet Index, a relatively unknown study of global happiness. The study is produced by the NEF (New Economic Foundation) an organisation of questionable authenticity.

The index appears to link well-being (happiness) to environmental sustainabilty or what is referred to as a country's ecological footprint. The index is at best confusing and at worst poor research. No doubt those countries that are rated highly will find excuse to boast to the world. In spite of our record high unemployment rate, world ranking in the crime rate, poverty and corruption, Jamaica now has something to be proud of. Apparently, we are happy in spite of the chaos and bloodshed. What is interesting, is in spite of this new-found happiness, many of us cannot wait to migrate to the United States, a far less happy country.

- R Oscar Lofters

lofters1@aol.com, Kingston

Nadir of WI Cricket

As one who has played and followed the game of cricket from my school days I am deeply saddened by the antics of the current players whose successes seem to be more outstanding around the negotiating table than on the cricket field.

When I think back to the glory days of Headley, Weekes, Walcott and Worrell, Ramadhin and Valentine, Sobers, Nurse, Kanhai, Lloyd, Kallicharran, Holding, Rowe, Richards - not one of the current players can match these gentlemen, and yet they are rich, they are pampered, and obviously think more of their worth than the public does.

These jokers continue to lose matches and have made West Indians who love cricket the laughing stock of the world (Thank God for lowly Bangladesh and Zimbabwe otherwise we would be at the bottom of the table).

The board should have the guts to fire the lot and give a good contract to the newcomers and encourage them. We will, of course, lose games for quite awhile as we build up a new top-class Test side; but then, what will have changed?

- Roy Banarsee

summitrb@cwjamaica.com

G.P.O. Box 1061, Kingston

Governance and development

"Development depends on governance" Those are the words of President Barack Obama as he spoke in Ghana. He also spoke about the developing world being able to sell to the developed world, rather than waiting for food to feed the poor of their respective countries.

It is my belief that the poor can feed themselves and sell what is left over. He, himself a community builder, knows the value of this. I only wish the Jamaican government could put into action - 'governance'. If we govern well, 'all boats in the ocean will be lifted'. Think on this.

-Rosemarie Greene

spntwncitizensagv@cwjamaica.com

2 Hanover Street, Spanish Town