The Editor, Sir:

I would like to add my comments to what both the representative of the maritime agency and the JDF have said about our fishermen. I submit these for consideration.

Not many Jamaican fishermen can swim, even in shallow waters, much more to manage a problem in the deep. It is suggested that all fishermen in Jamaica be taught to swim and be granted proficiency certificates before they are allowed to become deep-sea fishermen.

Second, all canoes (cottonwood or fibreglass) should be licensed. The licence should be related to the presence of life preservers or flotation mattresses on board.

yearly inspection

All canoes should be subject to yearly inspection by the Fisheries Division to ensure seaworthiness and the capability of the fisherman to deal with emergencies.

All fishing canoes should have a hand-held signalling system which can transmit signals visible on land within a given distance from sea.

All fishermen should, once per year, be required to attend and participate in an emergency drill for emergencies at sea.

I am, etc.,

MIDDLETON WILSON

middletonwilson@bellsouth.net

Miami, Fl.

Via Go-Jamaica