The Editor, Sir:

Prime Minister Golding must be congratulated for leading the efforts in getting the nation prepared for the oncoming storm and for being integrally involved throughout and in the aftermath of the storm. Unfortunately, despite the prime minister's advice for the country to prepare for the storm, many people failed to take heed.

I know he is a little loth to legislate a mandatory evacuation law. However, I believe it is a move worth considering.

The Government, whose responsibility is to protect the lives of the people, must have the authority to force evacuations in life-threatening emergencies.

Undue burden

We just need to ensure that any such law would not pose any undue burden on the constitutional rights of the people.

A further part of the problem is that too many homes are built in areas unsuitable for housing. I fully endorse the position of the prime minister that he will not tolerate the continued construction of homes in areas that are unfit for housing development. I trust, sir, that you will remain firm and not resile a bit from this position. Let us get on with it now.

I am, etc.,

KEVIN KO SANGSTER

sangstek@msn.com

New Jersey