The Editor, Sir:

Today, we are all filled with pride as our young Jamaican athletes blaze the tracks making the world stand up and take notice of our small 'rock'. Reporters from every corner of the globe have come in search of 'the formula' that makes world-class athletes without the help of performance-enhancing drugs. With all this, the social background of the young athletes has come to the forefront as, in Jamaica, where people come from is seen as the factor driving them to be great.

The areas from which some of these athletes come highlight the need of low-income earners for housing. Our leaders build schemes which more often than not develop into our law enforcers' worst nightmare as garrisons or ghettos. People from within these walls are automatically or subconsciously classed and labelled by the society. This sometimes negative outlook towards the poor is used by our leaders to further their political ambitions.

We can do great things

Well, now we can say 'big up' to the athletes who have broken through the barriers. Because of their achievements, their communities will now have better roads. Let it remain a positive outlook on how much better we all can be and not another means to extort the people of Jamaica.

Remember this: Singapore examined the booming economic model that was Jamaica's and they are now ranked among the richest countries in the world - without the extortion. We can do great things.

I am, etc.,

RACQUEL FRANCIS

knockers4ever2000@yahoo.com

Kingston