THE EDITOR, Madam:
Approximately a week ago, Mr. Michael Sharpe, of the Radio Jamaica Communications Group, hosted a programme called 'Your Issues Live' on Collie Smith Drive, St. Andrew. In that area there is an ongoing feud with other communities. I think this exercise was a good initiative and I just want to commend Mr. Sharpe for his efforts in coordinating this type of programme.
This indeed allowed most people to state their grouse publicly, especially poor people who cannot even afford a night's dinner at times. I think more of us journalists need to have meetings in the garrison communities like this one. A lot of people are crying out for more of this type of programme. I think such pro-grammes, however, could be a bit longer than just one hour.
The police need to approach members of the public more professionally. Don't just go in these communities and physically abuse the residents just because they are poor. Even though at times they may act loud and vulgar, that does not mean that the police should let that offend them. I think it was a fabulous programme and what I wanted was to see more residents of Tivoli, Denham Town, Jones Town, Rema and other communities, whenever a programme like this is aired again.
I would love to see these residents and those from other rival communities turn out and express their grouse. Once again I would like to big up Mr. Sharpe, and my wish is to see other Jamaican journalists start making initiatives like these.
The residents of these communities need love, respect and motivation. The relevant authority needs to place more emphasis on the so-called ghetto communities. This is the type of Journalism I would like to see.
I am, etc.,
MARK BELL
Photographer
221/2 South Avenue
Kingston 5
Do
you have a problem? Is something bothering
you? Write to 
