I have learned that with the recent government of 4 years (just ended with Sister P. having been elected)- that businesses in Jamaica have been taxed by the government for the FIRST time.

The residents struggled badly before, and now the situation is exacerbated. Children have not been attending school, residents don't have money to purchase crop seeds to feed their families - especially since the business taxation came in, and companies laid employees off in large numbers.

One large employer in St. Elizabeth is insisting employees purchase their meal while on shift, rather than bringing food from home. I so wish that the employers could realize the extreme hardship this is causing their employees and their children and families.

As Bob Marley said a hungry belly is an angry belly, and that won't get any of us, anywhere.

The International community has learned in the past several years how clearly, sharing and fairness is the only way to peace and security. Let's all look into our hearts and ask ourselves if we are being fair to oppressed people who don't have the opportunity of education or business opportunities for themselves.

My son in law (30 yrs.) and my eldest daughter in her late 30's just returned from Jamaica - this is where my information is from.

I ask that the government and businesses of Jamaica ask themselves if THEY could or would live on the salaries, education level and lack of opportunities that most of their residents face.

In the name of peace and goodwill, let's make positive changes and help the citizens of Jamaica have a fairer, more deserving lifestyle.

As the UK is currently discussing, capitalism is not about responsibility. Let's have a conscience and change that, please.

Karen Gould
Canada