I read Martin Henry's article on Mauritius (December 6), but thought that he missed something that could be of significant value to your readers.

Mauritius is an island, while smaller than Jamaica, that has about the same installed electricity capacity (if not more by now) as Jamaica and more than 40 per cent of this capacity is generated from sugar-cane bagasse. In fact, there are small farmers that grow cane and sell to the factories just for the bagasse so that the factories can generate electricity outside of the normal cane-cropping period.

They started this programme more than 20 years ago and are way ahead of most countries with the use of high-pressure steam turbines and the ability to switch to other renewable fuels when bagasse is not available. The farmers also get paid off the electricity generated.

Apart from savings on fossil fuels, this industry also helps to keep rural farming alive and maintain the rural socio-economic structure. Is there a lesson here for us?

- Nicky Jones

nanthonyjones@hotmail.com

Where Seaga missed it

I am more than a bit concerned that Edward Seaga is calling for an 'understanding' of the two-Jamaica syndrome. I believe this view betrays his political mind, and would explain the creation of political garrisons in Jamaica. I would be more impressed if he were to call for an end to the two-Jamaica syndrome.

It is no magic. People who are empowered through education may yet hold views which are similarly held by the not so educated, but with the exception that they are not normally as gullible. So we may still end up with two Jamaicas. But with the balancing effect of education, we may substantially reduce the popula-tion of the largely brainwashed and deprived class.

I do agree, however, that intellect does not automatically translate to effective leadership. I would go further, though, to say that education as a tool in the hands of good leadership can transform this leadership from good to great.

- Charles Evans

charock01@yahoo.com

Leave Buju alone

I wish the gay community would leave Buju Banton and the rest of the DJs alone and focus their energy on petitioning the Jamaican Government about the laws on the books pertaining to the gay life style.

The last time I checked, it is illegal for men to have sex with men in Jamaica. Please correct me if I'm wrong. The gay community wants to shut down Buju anywhere he goes to perform. This guy is trying to make a living just like anybody else. Don't crucify the man for a particular song made so many years ago, and I think more of our Jamaicans should speak up and defend Buju and the rest of our performers.

My advice to the gay community: If you want to change the attitude of Jamaicans to accept that lifestyle (not that we should like it), you should deal with the Government and ask it to change the laws (good luck with that) so future Jamaicans growing up can have a different out look on the issue

- Michael Robinson

Shaggafl@hotmail.com

Pembroke Pines

Florida