'To have gone boldly where no man has ever gone before' is a statement that I would use to describe the move by the prime minister to take a pay cut. To take a pay cut and to ask the Cabinet to fall in line is a big task, but how important is this move at this time and how will it affect the economy? There is talk that the proceeds from this move will be given to charity.

To many Jamaicans this is a good move. However, a pay cut and the reshuffling of a Cabinet are not strategic moves. This is more or less a business decision to say to the Jamaican people: "If I can take a pay cut, so can you." In the real world, how many of us can honestly accept a pay cut on our present salaries. There are persons in the public sector who openly refuse to accept this move. On the other hand, was there any thought about the Jamaicans who are earning salaries below minimum wage.

The reshuffle was necessary and was long expected. However, closer examination of the current administration suggests that further changes might be necessary at this time.

Our nation's security is a concern and a more strategic move would be to find ways to meet the security forces even half way with their salary demands. With that, an increase of the budgetary allocation for the national security ministry should be on the top of the list. There may be bad apples in the Jamaica Constabulary Force but not a factor to judge all. Irrespective of what the people have to say about the actions of the security forces, they are needed and we all must face this reality. Instead of condemning the bad apples among them, the system must find ways and means to bring them up to par.

I am, etc.,

DEVON KING

mailbox4844@yahoo.com

Kingston 19