THE EDITOR, Sir:

Jamaica has a long record of principled positions taken on issues of oppression such as the apartheid which was practised in South Africa under the oppressive white regime.

I wish to bring to your attention the case of how the government of Pakistan, if not formally participating in the campaign of oppression and persecution of Christians, is turning a blind eye to the abuse of minorities in the country, practised in the name of Islam.

I have sent to Foreign Affairs Minister A.J. Nicholson and Gleaner and Observer editors copies of a flyer produced by a Christian organisation in the United States which documents some of the abuses which have been inflicted on Christians.

Jamaica is a Christian country, and we pride ourselves in our democracy and freedom of worship, which has been our historical position from the time of our formal Independence and before.

I anticipate that Minister Nicholson, acting for Jamaica, will make his voice heard in protest at the highest levels of world opinion - the United Nations and other human rights organisations.

As a Caribbean country participating in cricket involving Pakistan, Jamaica should consider a boycott of that country's cricketers visiting our shores again.

ALFRED SANGSTER (OJ)

sangsteralfred@yahoo.com

Kingston 6