I read with interest the downgrading of Jamaica by S&P and was in no way surprised. Think about it: the world is in a crisis. I also was not surprised by the negative comment made by Dr Omar Davies. I guess if it was the other way around, he would still be crying foul. I guess that's what it is to be in 'opposition'.

What if what is being said is really true? Do these politicians put aside their own selfish agenda and think about the people they say they are representing? Oh, the need for power is such a terrible disease!

- Junior Palmer

palmerj49@yahoo.com

Having read the prime minister's message for Independence Day and now the response of the Minister of Finance to the S&P downgrading, it is apparent that the Government refuses to be accountable for the current situation faced by the country. Now is the time, more than ever, for decisive actions to be taken.

We elected the Jamaica Labour Party to lead and that is what it must do. The time for laying blame on the past and everyone who does not agree is over because the people are suffering and the country is spiralling downward.

It is time for a leadership that takes responsibility for its actions, plans strategies for the future and communicates a clear and decisive vision to the people.

- Karlene Francis

karlenef@gmail.com

Why are Jamaicans so hung up on coming to the United States, Canada or United Kingdom when, without a visa they can travel to Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Switzerland, Argentina, Chile, South Africa, Israel, Egypt and so on?

Have many Jamaicans ever seen a picture of Seoul, South Korea, or Hong Kong? Those two cities alone have almost every city beat in the Western Hemisphere as far as beauty, skyscrapers, wealth and low taxation are concerned.

Why strive for American citizenship when you can gain European Union citizenship way easier?

- Bradley Taylor

websites25@yahoo.com

Based on what we have gathered so far through the news media on the Armadale fire enquiry, I think Commissioner of Corrections June Spencer-Jarrett should resign so the Ministry of National Security and the country on a whole can save face on this shameful disaster.

From what I have gathered from some of the persons who have testified so far at the enquiry, it appears that the wards who were taken off the streets to be rehabilitated were allowed to operate as if they were still out on the streets getting into trouble. As for the infrastructure of the institution, I hope the Government see to it that it be removed from Alexandria; this might help to minimise the shame we who live in these parts feel for this once-noble institution.

- Carlton C. Daye

ruggler@yahoo.com