Online feedback

Below are edited excerpts from comments posted online at www.jamaica-gleaner.com by readers to yesterday's lead story 'Bridgewater committed to stamping out corruption'.

Undiplomatic language

I find the ambassador's comments rather troubling. For her to mention her fight against corruption and her intent to do so in Jamaica is undiplomatic. An ambassador is supposed to be more circumspect.

I wonder how she would respond to accusations that her country has helped to bring Jamaica to its knees. Furthermore, if she is so concerned about corruption, maybe she should return home, seeing that her country seems to be mired in corruption. Has she heard of the official in Los Angeles who used to draw about $800,000 per year, twice what the president gets yearly? According to reports, he has been arrested. Certain irregularities are classified as corruption in poor countries, and mismanagement in the rich ones.

- Marcus Garvey 11

Don't let up

I welcome the ambassador's comments. As usual, the critics are out in full force defending the status quo. Hold Jamaica's feet to the fire, Madam Ambassador. Don't let up. Corruption is killing us!

- Gosford53

Well, it's the truth

Whether her comments were appropriate as an ambassador is subject to each individual's interpretation. One question we all must ask ourselves is: Is she wrong about the level of corruption that exists in all levels of the Jamaican society?

Instead of being offended, why don't we spend the energy turning in the thieves and other wrongdoers to the law officers and focus on cleaning up the yard, so no one has to come in and tell us that it's dirty. I spend a lot of my time selling Jamaica as a vacation destination, and an even greater amount of time praying that the people who act on my recommendation get back to the United States safely.

Sure, the US has its level of crime and corruption, but, as a matter of scale, ours is more alarming.

Let's all welcome Ms Bridgewater and thank her for focusing our eyes on a serious problem and hope her comments will be accompanied by material support for our police and military and with our own re-dedication to make Jamaica the pearl it once was.

- Ozzie

Stop being defensive

Folks, stop being so defensive about her comments. She is only stating the obvious. I love my country dearly, but we are too corrupt and violent. This scares tourists and investors and even me. Stop comparing her comments about Jamaica's corruption to corruption elsewhere. Not because she isn't addressing corruption elsewhere, it doesn't mean she is being hypocritical. She is appointed to address Jamaica's issues specifically.

- Islandboy20