Government needs to take swift action if they want real production in our agriculture/aquaculture export markets. We can only be niche marketers because of our country's size. Wise up, Jamaica; we need real export production to survive and be competitive on the global markets.

Can you believe that Jamaican lending institutions are still offering moratoriums on principal only? They want you to start repaying interest within 30 days. Other countries give agricultural and aquaculture projects, e.g., ornamental fish farming loans with moratoriums on interest from one to three years. They understand that they make more money when clients pay interest only while the clients are able to build strong foundations for there farming businesses.

These cottage-type industries need time to install infrastructure and grow their crops, be it vegetables or fish. Jamaica's development lending institutions must stop lending retail type loans to do agricultural loans.

Any wonder that enterprising people take their projects to other countries?

Karl von Cork,

karlvonco@yahoo.com

Mandeville,

Jamaica

I am a bit confused about the selection of days to celebrate public holidays. In May, Labour Day (May 23) was on a Saturday but was celebrated on Monday, May 25. However, this Saturday, August 1, is being observed as Emancipation Day and Monday, August 3, is a regular work day.

Is it that it depends on which public holiday it is or whether it suits the powers that be to choose to, or not to, celebrate on a Saturday? Shouldn't it be across the board, that public holidays that fall on Saturday or Sunday be observed on the Monday? I'm so confused.

Lorac Douglas

soggae@gmail.com

Is it the taxpayers who are paying for all these by-elections? I am certain that I am not the only taxpaying resident of the country asking this question, and am curious to know how much is it really costing us.

It just seems that while we are hearing that the country is cash-strapped funds can be allocated for by-election, which now leaves us to ponder: is the country really struggling or is it an excuse not to increase the salaries of public sector employees?

All the ministerial offices have a lot of planning and strategising to be done, especially education and security. We are not producing or exporting; the unemployment rate is rising and there are a lot more important things to focus on, yet campaigning is the order of the day.

Yes, we agree that an Opposition is needed. However, our opposition party is only campaigning and campaigning.

Jeannette

jeannetteacca@yahoo.com