As we again approach the spring break period, I hear that Jamaica again will be missing out on the opportunity to benefit. Might I humbly suggest that these youngsters who used to flock to our shores tend to be the ones with the spending ability, and are an excellent 'target' for future marketing. If they have a good, safe time now as 18- and 19-year-olds, then that memory will be firmly planted, and almost guarantee their return as affluent adults and families later on. This concept is not new to anyone who has any shred of marketing training.

Now, I can already hear the churches, bible thumpers and the 'holier than thous' among us reacting with stories of vulgar behaviour, and to some degree, they have a point. We must be very careful how we market this beautiful paradise of ours.

However, I am sure that the Jamaica Tourist Board can come up with some solutions to curb the practices some object to, rather than stamp them out completely, so we can again promote this island as a destination that serves all ages, at all times.

- Max Earle, maxinja@yahoo.com

Eat Jamaican

I read with interest former Finance Minister Davis' comments regarding the rising cost of basic food items. While in Jamaica recently, I read the government's announcement with much fanfare about a J$1/2 billion subsidy.

Personally, I think we missed the boat from the '70s when Michael Manley said these famous words to Jamaica "eat what we grow". I thought we would have learned from this. I was pleasantly surprised to hear Commerce Minister Samuda echo Manley's comments on a morning programme.

My point to this is, the Government cannot continue to finance these subsidies forever. I think the Government has a lot of goodwill currently to make the hard choices. They should use the subsidy dollars to target 'cash crop' production and promote an 'eat Jamaican' campaign. Such a programme must be properly managed to avoid waste, fraud and abuse.

- Patrick A Beckford, pbeckf01@yahoo.com