Xenophobia alive

Several weeks ago, the government of Antigua began an immigration cleansing process. This process was triggered by their narrow victory in the recent elections. The current government, the UPP, has publicly blamed 'Jamaicans and Guyanese' for the narrow victory and the loss of several seats.

The ruling party dispatched their ambassador to Cuba, who stated on the radio that the Government will be rounding up and sending home 'Jamaicans and Guyanese' , whom he went on to state came from countries that are dirt poor and should not have any part in his country's politics.

Over the last week, the immigration department has been raiding houses and job sites having 'Jamaicans and Guyanese'. The Government has not come out and objected to the statement or action which followed the ambassador's statement.

Therefore, I request that all Jamaicans who have tickets to travel to Antigua reconsider their action. Xenophobia is strong and alive in the Caribbean. CSME is a bad dream.

- Kevin Hamilton

Kevinhamilton@yahoo.com

St John's, Antigua

This was not a waste

Shahine Robinson, member of parliament for North East St Ann, is reported to have described the West Portland by-election as an "unnecessary waste" of taxpayers' dollars.

The rule of law is most important, and Daryl Vaz did the right thing by forgoing his US citizenship. He can now make laws for his constituents and be there when they are executed.

Otherwise, he could help make laws today, and is not bound by them as he could move to his other country the next. All those with allegiance to other countries which say they must "defend" that country, even against Jamaica, must follow this move

- Richard Bennett

tajbenne@msn.com

Mississauga, Ontario

What sacredness?

While there is talk of establishing an organ bank with particular emphasis placed on the liver and kidney, the Kingston Public Hospital is without the use of an ECG machine. I am deducing that perhaps with hearts in demise, more livers, kidneys and other body parts will become available.

What is puzzling is that in a lawless society such as ours, where life is constantly being devalued, prominent clergyman, the Reverend Roderick Hewitt, has endorsed the move and asked that the "sacredness of the body" be respected. Now, if most societal indicators point to any sacredness attached to life, what "sacredness of the body" is he referring to?

- Kadene Porter

kadene26@hotmail.com