Plight of NIS pensioners
With the sharp increase on basic food items and other goods and services, it is imperative that the new Minister of Labour and Social Security consider a substantial increase in the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) benefit.
It has been the custom over the years that every new minister over that portfolio grants an increase to the NIS pensioners. We the pensioners are now urging Mr. Pearnel Charles, the minister, to do likewise at the very earliest date.
He has always expressed the view that NIS pensioners are not adequately compensated from the accumulated fund of the NIS contributors over the years. The time to act is now.
- A. A. McCreath, Mandeville
Saving a duck
My last, and most inspiring memory of 2007 happened the last day of the year in C.B. Smith Park in Pembroke Pines, Florida.
A man was fishing from the dock with his young son. They were throwing bread into the water to attract the fish, and, they were also feeding a swarm of birds. A pair of ducks were attracted to the scene and one got caught in the fishing line.
The man got rolled up his pants, took of his shoes, got into the water and freed the duck snarled in his fishing line which would have killed the duck but for his efforts. This act of compassion towards a duck, of all creatures, gives me hope for 2008.
- William Virtue
New Year's dream
Let us also remember our motto: 'Out of Many One People'. Do we realise that Jamaica is a famous country - known throughout the world? Do we realise that this country is loved by millions of foreigners? The tourists are crazy about our country.
There is still hope; all is not gone. There is still hope of Jamaica becoming 'The Land of Paradise' once again. Let us make this our New Year's dream, our New Year's resolution.
It can happen. My fellow Jamaicans, it may be easier said than done, but let us forget about ourselves and love one another. Let us be our brother's keeper.
- Donald Jefferson McKoy Spanish Town
Coming together
We must all come together as one and send a clear message to the criminals among us that enough is enough. Our social services have to dig deep within themselves for the grace that is only available through our Lord to get the answer to deal with these 'lost sheep'.
We who consider ourselves innocent victims of what is happening in our land must also do something to reach out to everyone we come across and to spread the message of love for our fellowmen.
In the end we must all believe that 'love' is the real answer. Let us all try and make 2008 a better year, and to send a clear message to our politicians not to divide the nation but to try to speak with one voice to all and encourage every Jamaican to make the land they live in a better place.
- Barbara Cover, Kingston 6
