This is a time when we must take time out to congratulate our policemen and women (and to some extent our army personnel) for the tremendous job they did during the passing of Hurricane Dean, and the excellent job they continue to do, despite limited resources and despite the pressures that they face in light of the very negative perception of a wide cross-section of Jamaicans.

While we knock them when they do wrong, let us find time to pat them on the back when they do well. Again, congratulations men and women of the security forces - you did an excellent job.

- Pat Bignal, wilbig@cwjamaica.com

The unusually long campaign period leading up to the next election, seems to have been chosen for no other reason than numerological guidance, given to the yet-to-be-elected Prime Minister, Portia Simpson Miller, by her 'prophet', Pastor Phinn.

Considering the apparent oversight of Hurricane Dean by Mr. Phinn (apparently because it did not involve the number seven), a change in People's National Party soothsayers may be circumspect at this time. If he can't see a Category Four hurricane coming, he really doesn't deserve the job.

- R.S. Stewart, stewart.bluemountain@sympatico.ca, Blue Mountains, Canada

I have always enjoyed reading Dawn Ritch's columns. However, her column titled 'A fifth column of divided allegiances', which appeared in The Sunday Gleaner on August 19, appears unnecessarily angry and too strident.

Jamaicans living abroad, particularly those in the United States, have every right to voice their opinions concerning the problems facing Jamaica. The majority of them are still Jamaican citizens with emotional and financial ties to the country. They support relatives in Jamaica with their hard-earned American dollars. They pay taxes on property they still own in the island. Their dollars and pounds help support the tourist industry and Air Jamaica.

Ms. Ritch should welcome and encourage the opinions and contributions of these Jamaicans. We need their input and support.