The possible deficit looming at the NHT is quite easy to explain. To keep any operation liquid you must have paying customers.
Poor people should be helped but not at the cost of those who play by the rules.
My family, which consisted of five siblings who worked and paid their NHT deductions for years and who tried for years to get a house failed, and left Jamaica without any rewards from the NHT. My remaining brothers are yet to receive any benefits from the NHT. If we want to help the poor then help them to become productive members of the system.
- Christopher Campbell camo4@charter.net
Via Go-Jamaica
NDTC in NY
On the weekend of April 27, New Yorkers had the pleasure of seeing performances of the National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) of Jamaica.
It was an honour to be in the presence of such talented artistes and to see that the company has nurtured young talent in the dancers and some of the technical crew, many of whom were born after the company was founded. I was pleased to see younger people dancing traditional folk forms like Gerrehbenta.
The entire show was absolutely superb. The music of the NDTC singers and musicians under the direction of the incomparable Marjorie Whylie was magnificent. Thanks to all who made this programme possible and bringing an institution that showcases the best of Jamaica to New York.
- Jacqueline Carroll
Brooklyn, NY
Via Go-Jamaica
Old Testament
Rev Mervin Stoddart calls gays and pro-gay church leaders "heterophobes." This is a cheap slur, and a silly diminution of anti-gay bigotry. Jamaica's attitudes and laws on homosexuality are primitive.
And so is the Old Testament. Even the most devoted Christians must cringe at its endorsement of slavery and its prohibitions on consuming shell fish or wearing mixed-fibre clothing. And in time, I'm sure, they'll feel the same embarrassment over its anti-gay passages.
-Bradley Miller, bj,
miller@utoronto.ca
Looking for ...
I would like to ask The Gleaner's help in getting in touch with a Ms Sonia Fowler, who once worked at BNS, Hagley Park Road branch, Kingston. My name is Jack Wisdom, living in Florida; this was between the '70s, and early '80s.
- Jack Wisdom, middleman342000@yahoo.com
4112 Tomahawk Ave
Spring Hill, Florida
Via Go-Jamaica
