NOTEWORTHY

A teacher's lament

How inspired I was by Norman Thompson's article. It articulated my own sentiments as a parent, teacher and citizen. It was refreshing to have someone affirm that standard English has its place; that one is not being disloyal to one's country in favouring English in certain situations.

For years, I had been feeling disheartened and redundant. This article had given me the spark I needed to enter the classroom with robust enthusiasm once again, to impart the beauty of English language and literature.

Sadly, after one week in the classroom, having verbal duels with government entities in the form of their officers, I feel once again that 'teaching' is no longer a teacher's job. No one is impressed with how well she can teach a child to read fluently, or how brilliant she is in making a student write a coherent paragraph. What is important is that she should pander to children's egos, whims and desires. Teachers are no more. We are just glorified babysitters.

Thanks a lot, ECC and MOE; a job well done.

- Erstwhile Teacher

Give it to Christie

This Petrojam matter screams for the intervention of an independent agent.

If what this audit is claiming is in any way true, every Jamaican should be taking to the streets and demanding that heads roll. Put Contractor General Greg Christie in charge of this investigation.

- Christopher Campbell, camo4@charter.net

Deacon deluded

With regard to the article 'False prophecies and necromancy', dated January 7, Peter Espeut's description of God's prophetic word as rubbish is a demonstration of why so many people are turned off from the Church and why many refuse to repent!

The 10 prophecies published on January 2 speak of a testing and turbulent year for the nation, particularly in the economy and concerning politicians, business leaders, church leaders, investors, and so on. You need to revisit the prophecies and, in particular, prophecy No 10.

With regard to the 'turf war' issue, how soon we forget the entire 'Dudus' situation!

Deacon, please go back to the drawing board!

- Praying For The Nation

New year's resolutions

I would like to see our leaders, both inside and outside the House of Representatives, show a higher level of commitment and care for the people whom they serve daily.

Let 2011 be a year where each person respects the other, no matter who they are.

For many years, governments have spent a lot on the security forces because of this monster called crime. That money should now be spent on other areas that improve the society.

- Robert Lewars, lewars72@yahoo.com