Joint political socials

I believe the prime minister and the opposition Leader along with the political ombudsman and his team should go into inner-city communities, both JLP and PNP, accompanied by high-ranking police officers, two times per month and socialise with the citizens. Hear their problems and try to solve them in one way or the other if you can. Have some refreshment served; sometimes have a film show or some kind of social programme in a kind of club atmosphere. The leaders are to set an example by not throwing words at each other. We're living in a divided country and that should not be so. We are all one flesh and blood. Some of the violence and crime we are experiencing politicians are to be blamed. I must congratulate the new government, it might be slow but they have made a lot of progress. I do believe the prime minister and the Opposition should forget the Vale Royal talks and have a Parliament talks instead.

- C.J. Ellis, Mandeville

Family search

I live in the United Kingdom and wonder whether any of your readers could help with my search for both ancestors and descendants of Philip FRANCIS born January 29, 1863, who married Margaret DOUGLAS around March 1892 Philip was in the British Army at some point and returned to Jamaica to marry Margaret in March 1892 They had eight children between 1893 and 1908: Sue, Pet, Lucille Vetura, Edgar, Maud (Nancy), Indiana (Indie), Annie and James (Radyii Whitwell Martindale ). The family lived in Point Hill, St Catherine until Philip died about 1910-12 when they went to live with a Douglas Cousin in Birds Hill, St Catherine. I would be grateful for any information received to complete this branch of our family tree or maybe even start another branch.

- Jacqueline Douglas, douglasfamily24@tiscali.co.uk, 24 The Leys, Nottingham, UK, Via Go-Jamaica

Gordon Town ignored

Since the passing of Hurricane Gustav the people of Gordon Town seem to have been penalised by inaction. Work on the road, the gully and the water system continues in a haphazard manner.

There has been no communication. It is a thriving community that contributes to the nation's GDP.

People are left wondering what is being done. The day after Gustav the prime minister and his people visited. Since then, nothing. Can you not communicate and let us know what is happening?

Inaction and mediocrity are the order of the day. Let us know what is happening. NOW!

-Nicholas Kyalami, Gordon Town, St Andrew