The Editor, Sir:

We welcome use of the Access to Information Act (ATI) to provide citizens with insights into the behind-the-scenes activities of our Government.

But a great and honourable newspaper like The Gleaner, a Jamaican institution in its own right, to which people turn as an authoritative media watchdog and a reference point, should be careful not to exploit the ATI for nitpicking.

Story on speechwriting

I refer to your Sunday Gleaner story on speechwriting for the Most Honourable Prime Minister. Which head of government does not find it necessary to hire experienced speechwriters and personal assistants? And what are the services of these professionals worth? The rates and salaries the paper has chosen to make a big song and dance over, beginning on page one, are rather modest.

Value for money, yes. But does The Gleaner seriously want to present itself as an advocate of government on the cheap? Bruce Golding's mean comments used to spice up the mean little overblown story will come back to haunt him if his aspiration to occupy Jamaica House is ever realised.

I am, etc.,

MARTIN HENRY

Communication specialist