Feedback

 Grounded! Readers back visa punishment

Below is excerpted feedback from readers of www.jamaica-gleaner.com to yesterday's lead story 'James loses visa'.

LOL!! Full a big chat bout '... he and his wife have dispatched their US-based attorney to Washington, DC, to "seek audience".' Seek all the audience you want, James, but where Jamaican authorities will not discipline some of us, the US definitely will. Rest assured, they did not arrive at this decision lightly; they know things that we ordinary citizens are totally unaware of.

- Guest

He has been involved in too much controversy. It is time we clean up this cesspool of corruption and get rid of politicians who are unworthy of the office they hold.

- Mistermel

All I can say is, "Good-fe-eem!" Many more to be revoked. Their character is disgraceful. Decent people can't get visas, yet these politicians want to have visas just because they hold public office. Dem characta dutty!

- headah

That is what I like about the US. No long talking, just straight action! Hit them where it hurts!

- Bobo

When we look at what happened in places like Tivoli Gardens, it is evident that the country will not go anywhere with these types of people. We have suffered pain and sorrow with them. I hope every Jamaican will tip his hat to the Americans in helping us to rid our country of these types.

- Joseph

It's time our government officials be reined in. Since we don't seem, or don't wish, to adhere to the call of the people, then let outsiders do it for us. Mr Robertson, although we are not yet privy to the reason(s) for your embarrassing visa revocation, you can rest assured that you are not the only Jamaican official that is under the microscope.

This US policy was probably implemented from the time of the Patterson regime. So what does that say for the Opposition? Both parties need to activate the human vacuum cleaner and get rid of their dirt.

- FatherForesight

This says a lot about all of us. Most Jamaicans, if given the choice, would rather keep their US visas than staying in Jamaica. The US knows that and it is starting to exploit that fact.

- Mister G

Over the years, the Jamaican political and plantocratic leadership behaved as if they were untouchable, They are aloof, rude and condescending. Thanks, mighty USA, for teaching them some humility. Take away all of their visas so that they can focus on Jamaica's development.

- Mccormacklindel

'Robertson said that he and his wife have dispatched their US-based attorney to Washington, DC, to "seek audience" with the relevant officials in an effort to ascertain the basis for the cancellations.' Man, this is powerful!

How many of us have the clout, money and influence to dispatch our attorney to talk to the US authorities? Dudus come to mind, anyone? James, I have got to hand it you. YU GOOD. Good luck on your quest for answers from the Americans.

- Authnel Reid

I am sorry to hear about Minister Robertson's misfortunes and hope that he sort out his life and bounce back from this. Mr Golding must act to deal with his Cabinet for it to remain relevant. I cannot recall a time when a minister's visa was revoked while had a portfolio.

- Manchioneal

Yes, indeed, Uncle Sam. Do what you will - it is your country and your rules. Thank you, Gleaner, for speaking out on this. We can have no doubt now about corruption in our governments, past and present, and that politicians will put essential self-interest above country.

You hear of talk about an Arab Spring. We need a Jamaican Spring. I implore Jamaicans to withhold their votes for the political parties come next election until they transparently and concretely deal with all the wanton corruption.

- John Smith