The Church's roleBishop Blair again makes a strike against gay marriage and abortion, but he forgot one - people getting married in the nude. Is it any wonder the Church is criticised? What a waste to have a voice and not use it to speak against all the atrocities and corrupt practices carried out by those in power. Has the Church forgotten the National Anthem that prays for strength to cherish the weak?
How about the 'weak' children who are at present the products of the unplanned pregnancies the Church is fired up to maintain? How about the 'weak' that might just resist the criminals and dons around them, if an organisation in their community (such as the Church) would try to represent, protect and strengthen them? I would hate to think that the sole purpose and priority of the Church is to shame people into making sure their sex life does not offend the sensibilities of the masses.
- Karis Chin-Quee, kpc11@psu.edu, Hershey, Pennsylvania, Via Go-Jamaica
Trucks in Fern GullyIt seems that Fern Gully has become a free-for-all for trucks whichuse it. I typically use this route to and from Ocho Rios at least twice per week, and each time I encounter trucks either in it or approaching the area.
Of late, the size and frequency of the trucks seem to be increasing and they use it with impunity. Garbage trucks are understandable, but the others? There are many signs indicating that trucks are to use Chalky Hill, but it seems that many choose to ignore this.
Apart from being an environmental hazard, trucks impede the flow of traffic and pose a serious environmental hazard to the air quality and plant/animal life in the gorge. We risk damaging a major tourist attraction, as well as one of our few remaining oases of green. The Ocho Rios police should monitor the use of the road and protect this environmental treasure.
- Concerned Jamaican, dibbydibby4@yahoo.com, Ocho Rios P.O., Via Go-Jamaica
Nothing newWhat a let-down. The People's National Party (PNP) manifesto, after 18 years in office, has come with nothing new.
Does the PNP expect the people to believe that we must continue business as usual with a failed education system, a poor health service, high crime and violence, a poor road-maintenance system, lack of jobs, corruption in almost every aspect of Jamaica's life and a general feeling of hopelessness among the youths and many adults
The PNP has displayed total disrespect for the people of Jamaica.
- Michael Williams, alexchamunda@yahoo.com, P.O. Box 500, Spanish Town, Via Go-Jamaica
