I read with interest your article about the divestment of sugar lands. I would encourage the political leaders of Jamaica to take advice in this matter from a noted Jewish wise man. In his teachings, he explains that a wise ruler rewards success and punishes sloth.

As he explains, a powerful man going on a trip left some of his money with three men, with one he left five talents, to one, two, and to one, one. In today's money, a talent of gold represents approximately US$1 million.

entrusted men

On his return, the men entrusted with the money had to give an account. One should notice that all of them had the liquid cash to pony up what had been entrusted to them; and furthermore, the ones who had used the money wisely were rewarded with more assets, and the one who had not performed saw his assets removed.

This is how it should work in a normal society: those who work hard and perform, the leaders should reward. To those who are slothful, the leaders should take from and give to those who are diligent and hard-working.

To the wise political leaders who follow this basic rule, God will grant great prosperity to their lands, as the successful and hard- working and diligent will flock to that place. To the foolish political leaders who take from the diligent, hard-working and responsible and give to the slothful and lazy, they will wake up and realise their nation is a failure.

I encourage our political leaders to heed the teachings of this Jewish wise man.

I am, etc.,

JOHN D. WILDISH

wildish@express.tc

Providenciales

Turks and Caicos