Dear Readers,

You speak, we listen!

We have heard you regarding certain headlines in our various products.

We have heard you regarding the context and proofing of some stories.

Our quality editor has aggressively addressed these and other concerns. We have taken action, including ending contracts with some offending writers.

Your response, your action, demonstrate that you, our readers, demand quality; high quality which will ensure that The Gleaner stays on par with the best newspapers in the world.

We were also blasted for the use of certain words, for example, the word 'dumped' when referring to those who were not reappointed to Air Jamaica's board of directors. The following are excerpts from a letter by Captain Omar K. Parkins:

"I feel compelled to raise objection to your front-page layout of July 3. The offending section showed pictures of seven members of the former Air Jamaica board under the caption 'DUMPED'. Putting aside the insensitivity and indecency of the caption, which I deem to be unworthy of your publication, I wish to go on record as a witness that these men and women gave their time and energy, some at personal sacrifice, for the survival of Air Jamaica. For eight months, I had the privilege and pleasure of working alongside them and remain in awe of their collective knowledge, skills, experience and their commitment to our country and national airline."

Looking back, we agree with the reader.

Our story about the travel expenses of Prime Minister Bruce Golding also came in for criticism. You also rapped us for not getting comments from the Government for the story. Here's one reader: "You certainly had front-page material, but your final few paragraphs exposed your very limited acquaintance with mathematics and/or statistics. You would have had the public on the edge of their seats awaiting a well-researched piece on the information you made hacks of in those final paragraphs."

We erred with one of the figures; and we should have gone back to government officials for comments on what were the benefits to Jamaica. As a result of this, we published a correction and clarification to our readers.

We thank you for your support and urge you to continue to help us up when we stumble.