The Editor, Sir:

I disagree with the criticism that translation of the Bible into other languages, including Jamaican patois, will undermine the sanctity of holy scripture.

To me, any move to increase awareness and understanding of written texts is progressive. In this regard, I am all for having Jesus talk patois in stage plays and pantomimes.

Bible-based poetry and skits, in patois, could also be useful and colourful tools to better education and entertainment - as are Louise Bennett's marvellous dialect verses.

Waste of time and effort

But for the University of the west Indies and the West Indies Bible Society to spend $60 million translating the Bible into Jamaican patois is simply knuckle-headed.

Any random poll would show that while most Jamaicans talk fluent patois, they often have great difficulty reading patois.

For people who are comfortable with English, patois readings are often a chore and frustration. Picturesque at best. For those who have problems reading English, the patois Bible will be a nightmare. So, who is this translation for?

I see this project is a waste of time and effort - another white elephant in the Jamaican zoo of fund wasting. Or perhaps a quaint monument to the self-aggrandisement of university eggheads.

I am, etc.,

GLEN McFARLANE

glenmc20@yahoo.com