Swell swearing-in

I must take timeout to commend the persons involved in the planning of the lovely swearing-in ceremony for the governor general, held on Thursday, February 26. It was a wonderful, well-organised function which, despite the initial rain proceeded without a glitch.

Having the Northern Caribbean university choir participating indicated the calibre of talents the university produces. Not only does it show the calibre of talents but it is also a way of showcasing the University as well. I believe that Dr Patrick Linton Allen is committed to doing his best for the nation. May God continue to bless him and his family as they serve mankind.

- Jacqui Harper

Newport P.O.

Manchester

Demeaning our women through music

Our music industry, over the years, has fostered a tone of disrespect towards women. The songs that are put out by our DJs are lewd and degrading, undeserving to be played by any medium. As we continue the necessary debate about the influence of the music, one of the victims in this music conundrum are the young ladies in our society who are attacked by callous DJs, who seem to only use their creative talents to demean our young ladies.

Does the music encourage young men to be callous and insensitive to women? I believe it's true that the music takes on life, especially for vulnerable young men without a firm foundation. It's a sad day in our society when this type of music guides the minds of our young men on how to treat our young ladies.

I encourage our entertainers and our parents to expose our children to information that celebrate the greatness and the achievements of women in the society. The consequences will be men whose minds are influenced to celebrate and honour our women.

- Nyron Blake

nyronblake@yahoo.com

A smiling Manley

Re: Shaw set to go hunting for new Bauxite markets;

The above article published yesterday said, inter alia:

" ... Between 1974 and 2007, the industry paid some US$3.6 billion as levy, an estimated US$500 million of personal income tax from workers' earnings of US$2.5 billion and another US$300 million from royalty and corporate income tax..."

I think Mr Manley must be smiling in his grave with absolution for introducing the bauxite levy when Jamaica was in dire straits from rising oil prices.

- Norman Lee

namronlee@rogers.com