Dear Editor,

I love all that Christmas stands for, peace, unity. I also agree with some of the writers that this protest action would hurt.

These reasons for not wanting the strikes are too simplistic and fail to address the genuine hurts, hopelessness and anger of the ordinary people. I ask this question of those who are insulated in their ivory towers, drive big cars and can afford to party at Palm Court, can you survive for one month on G$25.000 +5.5% more?

This is not a party political matter. Get among the people of all races, visit the grass roots every day citizens, if your heart doesn't ache something is wrong with you. People deh bad. When people recognise that together we're all in this thing, when there is evidence of a trickle down to the 'plebs' it's easier to tell people to hold. I heard a group of women talking down town a few days ago. They have resorted to buying 'dog meat' for home use. In this age and time should people drop to such levels? I believe not.

When the masses observe the squandermania and the loss of millions due to ill managed projects they know money is around. What hurts every Guyanese who holds no ill will against the Government and who would want to see changes is why the Government don't like things to be settled without people having to resort to negatives. Only when this Government is pressured do they respond.

It is also often very difficult to understand what Dr Luncheon, Head of the Presidential Secretariat, says at his press briefings. Perhaps a professional press officer could handle this better.