Yet another dual-citizenship case is at the fore in Jamaica and it is not surprising that some of our members of parliament are arguing for a by-election. One cannot help but imagine that our government is oblivious to the negative impact of these by-elections on the Jamaican economy. They seem conveniently to forget that there is a gap between income and expenditure while they engage in frivolous spending.

However, as soon as a concerned citizen notes the shortcomings of the Government's paltry spending nature, of course, the global economic meltdown is quickly highlighted. How can Jamaica move forward with a government which ostensibly appears to be solving issues while creating bigger ones on each flawed attempt?

Pressing issues

There are more pressing issues Jamaicans are currently faced with such as crime fighting, the high cost of living, improving education and, of course, the 'elephant in the room' our debt. So why is so much money being spent on these by-elections which are not necessary, not when there are other alternatives such as stepping down and making the seat available to the eligible candidate?

As a young professional, I find it increasingly difficult to continue survival in a country where our leaders never cease to implement some short-sighted plans of action which are bound to destroy us in the not-so-distant future. With the implementation of the Young Entrepreneurs Programme (YEP), I thought here was an opportunity for me to take advantage of a great initiative, only to learn that based on the eligibility criteria, I am not qualified as one of the conditions outlined is that the applicant must be a graduate in June 2008.

Having graduated in June 2007, I did not meet this criterion and, as a result, have to seek other innovative ventures to realise my dream of becoming an entrepreneur.

I am, etc.,

SHAUNA-KAYE L. BROWN

Shaunabrown2005@yahoo.com

Cedar Valley, Sligoville PO

St Catherine