The Editor, Sir:

Jamaica before independence was considered the pearl of the Caribbean. It was a period characterised by very low crime levels, low unemployment and high productivity. It was the envy of many nations, but primarily our Caribbean neighbours who looked to us for moral and economic leadership.

Since Independence, Jamaica has lost its way. Government after government have failed the Jamaican people. Some have failed more miserably than others, but they have failed nonetheless.

Today, Jamaica is considered the pariah of the Caribbean, its people looked at with scorn and revulsion anywhere in the world they go. Whenever one mentions 'Jamaica' to anyone abroad, the first thing that comes to the mind of the listener is a country plagued with corruption, crime, decadence, vileness and debauchery.

Decent Jamaicans bear the brunt of this perception as employers are leery of hiring them. Many encounter problems finding decent housing because landlords fear that they will turn their premises into drug dens. Immigration officers treat Jamaicans more harshly than any other group because of their negative perception of them.

Jamaica was once a prosperous and manageable country. Why has it regressed so much?

I am, etc.,

RANDY VASELLI

rvasse5@optonline.net

460 Montgomery Avenue

Brooklyn, New York

Via Go-Jamaica