So, the price of oil is almost as high as the moon and Jamaica can hardly afford her fuel bill.

Has JPSCO started a conservation campaign? Are schools encouraging children to conserve at home and at school? Are government officials going to lead by example and drive smaller, more cost-effective vehicles?

Please tell us of the plans to restrict the importation of SUVs of a certain size not because our government is communist or mad, but in the interest of Jamaica.

- H.R.Heron, hrheron@hotmail.com Kingston, Via Go-Jamaica

The question is asked: With what should we replace corporal punishment? Teachers do need to develop a wide repertoire of discipline techniques. One worth trying is 'verbal routines', which research has shown to be effective classroom discipline practices.

They are called routines because the teacher continually uses the same wording when addressing the inappropriate actions of the students.

The first routine deals with misbehaviour, the second with students not following instructions, and the third with students in the incorrect place. For example, if a student is in the wrong place, the teacher asks, (privately) "Where are you supposed to be?"

These verbal routines are simple and powerful, discourage excuses from students, allow students to think about their own actions and take responsibility for themselves.

- M. Foster, myrtef@yahoo.com

As a Jamaican teacher in the United States, I was hoping that the new government would not resort to the excessive wasteful spendings they were so critical of as Opposition.

How can they justify spending so much money on SUVs when the average teacher cannot afford taxi fares? How can they sleep at night knowing so many Jamaicans are on the brink of poverty what with the high price of basic commodities.

I did not support the JLP party, but felt that they could not possibly do what they accused the PNP of. I am so very disappointed.