I am indeed encouraged to hear Minister Holness' proposal to build more schools. My sincere hope is that these schools are built sooner rather than later. Heaven knows that schools and training institutes are what Jamaica needs now more that ever.

Jamaica needs to get back to basics, as a mean of undoing the shortcuts taken by successive administrations since the 1970s. These shortcuts, in my opinion, range from the relegation of leadership in the inner city to local dons; empowering the police to be judges, jury and executioners; and entrusting elected officials to a free reign of the cash cow without any accountability or oversight.

Shortcuts not the answer

Shortcuts always and ultimately cause abuse, and the people of Jamaica only need to look around to see the perpetuation of these abuses. Needless to say, the Government's answer to most abuses are more shortcuts. Every time that a government official engages in corruption, or a police officer accepts a bribe, a nail is driven into the coffin of the nation's morality.

As such, let Jamaica get back to basics by investing in the people, from first grade to the college level, or trade and profession, as the case may be. A trained and prepared people is not only easier to govern, but are less prone to violence. But the greatest advantage of people-investment lies in their ability to create, build, protect and provide for themselves, their family and their country.

I am, etc.,

Everton Eastwood

evertoneastwood@hotmail.com

USA