THE EDITOR, Sir:

It was with a sense of astonishment and disgust that I read the lead story of The Sunday Gleaner dated January 27, 2013 in which the staggering sum of more than $21 million was reportedly being paid to one individual in charge of a public-sector entity.

In a time of harsh economic conditions for most of us in the society, The Sunday Gleaner's story only serves to highlight and reinforce the widely held perception that not all of us as Jamaicans are being called upon to sacrifice and tighten our belt.

It appears that the sacrificing will be rather selective and will involve mainly civil servants, such as (junior) doctors, nurses, police and teachers, who will have to forgo an increase in their salaries over the next few years.

What can be the justification for paying such lofty remunerations to so few among us at a time when the likelihood of job losses is looking more and more likely? These are the stories that divide us as a people when we look on and see that the playing field is not level for all.

TAXPAYERS SHOULDN'T FOOT THE BILL

It is different when someone in the private sector commands such huge pay packages, but why should taxpayers be called upon to foot such an exorbitant salary and benefits to any individual in such a time like this?

What do we say to that teacher or nurse who is unable to qualify for a mortgage for a modest two-bedroom house? What do you say to that household helper who is unable to adequately feed her children because of almost monthly food-price increases?

Whenever I come across what some may call greed by our fellow Jamaicans, I am reminded of the proverb from the Yoruba tribe which says, 'Stretch your hands as far as they reach, grab all you can grab'.

WAYNE CAMPBELL

waykam@yahoo.com