The PNP is now a damaged party with poor leadership. If they should win another election under Portia Simpson, look for a mass exodus of the middle class from Jamaica. After 18 years of corruption, inflation, crime, runaway police corruption, we cannot afford to get more of the same with a leader like Portia Simpson. The PNP is to be blamed for everything bad that is affecting Jamaica at this time. Mr Golding inherited a country in a bad condition at a time the global economy is in trouble. He is doing an excellent job with the limited resources the PNP left behind. I urge Jamaicans to have patience and give Mr Golding time to bring Jamaica into a better state.

- D. Cassell, vass367@aol.com, Via Go-Jamaica

Aid to Cuba

As a Cuban-Jamaican living in the United States, I attempted to express in two letters to the editor to your newspapers, my profound gratitude to the prime minister, his government and the Jamaican people for their courageous, brotherly visit to Cuba early this year, ignoring threats and fear from hatemongers. The arrival of badly needed humanitarian help to Santiago de Cuba sent by the people of Jamaica for their brothers and sisters in Banes should signify the rebirth of the historical family links that have bound us forever. Thanks very much, as we continue to work towards a better world for all.

- Alberto Nelson Jones DVM, cacf2@aol.com, Palm Coast, Fl, Via Go-Jamaica

Commendation

Miss Rosemarie Shaw must be commended for the contribution she made to the people of St Thomas and more so to the Jamaican people. Miss Shaw has served as councillor for the Morant Bay division for over 15 years and also was mayor of Morant Bay. She served the people of St Thomas with pride. It is very unfortunate that Miss Shaw has decided to give up representational politics because Jamaica needs more hardworking politicians like Rosemarie Shaw. Rosemarie is a leader, an organiser and a go-getter and was a great asset to the People's National Party.

- Wayne Simmonds, waynes90@yahoo.co.uk, Toronto, Canada, Via Go-Jamaica

Storm damage

Small farmers in Grange Hill, Long Road, in eastern Portland need urgent help since Tropical Storm Gustav. The area of Long Road, Grange Hill and Muriton took a big beating from the storm. Power lines and houses were blown down. Ninety per cent of the houses that were not blown down had significant roof damage. Many business places were also extensively damaged.

The small farmers crops of plantains and bananas were wiped out. Those who rear goats and chickens had extensive losses. Since then, there have been several persons seen doing surveys. Small farmers have reported that for the last four storms, surveying is the only thing that happens. They say that they have never received compensation from anyone.

- Samuel Taylor, PO Box 65 Manchioneal, Portland