Obama deserves Nobel Prize

Since President Barack Obama won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday, October 9, cynics have asked the question: What has President Obama actually accomplished? That is a stupid question. He has accomplished a feat unheard of in modern times. He has run a successful campaign against enormous odds and he has won the presidency of the United States of America, the first African-American man to ever do so.

In record time, he has changed widespread world opinion of the US from basically negative to mostly positive. He has given the world hope. He has maintained his dignity and that of his loving family amid threats on his life and ridicule by racists. He is a good representative of American aspirations and is well deserving of the award. The peoples of the world who understand him are very proud of him.

- Moyah A. Gibson

moyahg2@yahoo.com

Crime paralysingthe nation

Many Jamaicans have been reluctant to admit that the consequences of crime are now overwhelming us and pushing this country into anarchy.

All our lives are now at stake. Blood is now being spilt indiscriminately. No one is exempt from the slaughter. Young children and old people are killed for cellphones. Businessmen are shot dead when refusing to bow to extortion. Thugs rape, maim and intimidate whole communities. Murder is becoming a sport for these terrorists.

Our tourist industry is now suffering from the ugly image of a crime-ridden Jamaica. Our banking system is threatened by money launderers and Ponzi schemes. Investors are now reluctant to bear the cost associated with needed security and a system riddled with corruption. Some are closing down operations because of these costs and jobs are being lost.

The most insidious effect, however, is the fear that is spreading in our nation. Crime is paralysing our country. We live behind high concrete walls with guarded gates patrolled by vicious dogs. We are becoming a nation of hopelessness and a gloomy place to live and raise our children as we watch in terror as men chop up each other on our televisions.

- R. Oscar Lofters

lofters1@aol.com

The sweetness of cassava

It is so good to see that many people and business owners are now realising the importance of cassava and its sweetness. Many Jamaicans don't eat the roots itself, but they enjoy its products, such as bammies. This is something all Jamaicans could go into as part of healthy living and put more money into their pockets.

I must commend Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Dr Christopher Tufton on the wonderful work he is doing. Let us be a nation producing our own food and help to swell our GDP.

- Robert Lewars

lewars72@yahoo.com

St Catherine