At the opening of the Bogue generating plant, Prime Minister Bruce Golding informed us of his intention to have a coal-burning plant installed in Jamaica.

Has the prime minister obtained sufficient information regarding the pros and cons of a coal-burning plant on the environment? The USA, with an abundant supply of coal, has a little under 500 coal-power plants, each averaging in size of 667 megawatts, most of which were built 40 years ago, and the contribution to pollution of the environment has been immense.

For over two decades, the USA has spent an enormous amount of money on researching 'clean coal energy' and, at this point, there is no identifiable plant which is in commercial use.

Sunlight is what Jamaica has in abundance and that's the form of energy we should be giving most attention. The initial cost will be higher but, in the long run, will prove more economical, financially and environmentally.

- Everett Thompson

evthom@msn.com

Retreat PO

St Mary

Rattray's simplistic idealism

In response to Garth Rattray's column on whether Rasta Bobby is truly a Rasta (October 5), I would like to submit the following response. To say a Rasta cannot be violent is to say a Christian, or any other religious follower cannot make a mistake.

While I condemn and abhor the actions of this individual, I can also recognise that some people are passionate and will allow passion to dominate their behaviour. Peter was known as a passionate individual, who lived in the presence of the Messiah for over three years, but that did not stop him from drawing his machete (sword) and slicing off someone's ear.

The hallmark of peace-loving and submitted individuals is not they can't make a mistake, but that they show remorse and repentance if they do. To say a Rasta can't be violent is a very simplistic ideological dream.

- Rohan Mullings, MD

sanaubyn@gmail.com

Maryland, USA