Dear Editor,

I read in both major newspapers earlier this week that the Hall of Fame Race Day sponsored by the Jamaica Racing Commission will be held on Saturday, June 12 at Caymanas Park and that proceeds from a “walk-stackle” will be donated to the Children’s First Charity.

My mind was taken back to the final of two Sunday race days in December 2009 when CTL, in the presence of and obviously supported by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance Arthur Williams, Board members of the Jamaica Racing Commission, the Betting Gaming and Lotteries Commission and Caymanas Track Limited proceeded to stage a race consisting of young children running behind goats to a finish line.

(See “Goat race features big at Caymanas Park” by Observer writer Hurbun Williams, December 15, 2009.)

I was alarmed to learn from the article that the public was allowed to bet on the race, which to me is in breach of international child labour laws. I forwarded copies of the articles to many organisations which I thought would have brought action against those government bodies responsible for this horrendous breach, but without response.

Betting should not have taken place and I hope that we do not see a repeat of this dastardly act.

Wilbert A Witter

wittybert@hotmail.com