Gov't without credibility

The Editor, Sir:

I read with a sense of tiredness the letter titled 'Money Money Money' published May 8. The arguments put forth were redundant and unimaginative and this, combined with the numerous pats of his own proverbial back that the writer gave himself, really made the letter just another piece of propaganda to belittle the teachers' case. He has missed the critical point of the current stalemate between the Jamaica Teachers Association (JTA) and the Government.

The current administration has broken two successive agreements with the JTA within the last twenty-four months. I cannot remember any administration reneging on a contract that it has signed with a union.

no credibility

When the second schedule of payment was advanced last year, was the Ministry of Finance so short-sighted that it could not project one year in advance as to what it could or could not commit to? This calls into question the competence of the minister of finance. Consequently, this administration has lost all credibility in the eyes of my fellow teachers and I, and other groups within the society. This is very dangerous. It speaks to the quality of the integrity of those leading us at the moment and consequently undermines their ability to lead.

IDT rulings

Pearnel Charles says that the JTA must make its case to the IDT, a ruling from which must be followed by all parties. Who can take that seriously? Wasn't he part of the previous agreements which have been so cavalierly cast aside by his side? I only have faith in the teachers following any decision handed down by the IDT, as we have done in the past, even when it went sorely against us.

My parting shots are: 1. To the writer of 'Money, Money, Money ', do some reading on what has transpired historically between the JTA and the various administrations and how teachers have responded to directives before you write anymore self-righteous and condemnatory letters, and 2. The way agreements are being discarded my pay cheque on the 25th of the month is no sure thing at all!

I am, etc.,

PATRICIA CASTRIOTA

Kingston 20