Dear Editor,

I was talking to a friend who had very recently lost his mother. The conversation got me to thinking again about an issue that has always weighed heavily on my mind. It could be that I am extremely unfortunate and am always at the wrong place at the right time. It could also be that I was at the right place but there at the wrong time.

The fact, though, is that I can’t recall hearing or seeing an advertisement by one of our renowned public figures speaking to crime, road fatalities or some other pertinent issue affecting Jamaica. I don’t want to see an ad featuring Usain Bolt with a corporate giant sponsoring it. While it may be well-intentioned, that, to me, comes across as a public relations ploy with the company milking the publicity opportunity shamelessly.

Can we begin to imagine how far a sincere plea in the electronic and print media from prominent individuals would go? Is this too big an ask?

Another concern I have is the billions being spent by corporate entities sponsoring partying and sporting events. While their funds are theirs to do with as they wish, one has to really wonder how genuine is the effort on their part to uplift Jamaica and its people.

My friend and I were discussing what had led to his mother’s demise and as it turned out it was kidney-related. I have always had a vague idea of the challenges, financial and otherwise, confronting the average Jamaican as it relates to dialysis, but what I learned in that discussion with my friend made me shiver.

How difficult would it be for 10 of the top private sector organisations to come together, fund and run three dialysis treatment centres — one in each county? If in the event that in excess of 10 companies wanted to come on board, an annual or semi-annual rotation could be worked out. I am certain there would be Jamaicans out there willing to play their part by donating land to the effort.

The Government, under the leadership of Mama ‘P’, could also play a role here by throwing a tax concession somewhere into the mix. My friend had broached the subject, albeit on a smaller scale, with an influential individual in our community. While the idea at the time seemed to have been well-received, I suspect it is stillborn.

All is not lost, though. I have resolved to purchase one lottery ticket for each of the draws for the rest of the month of January and maybe my friend will be able to see his idea come to fruition — the setting up of a foundation in the memory of his dear mother. God rest her soul.

Robert Mitchell

Box 191

Christiana PO

Manchester

mitcib@yahoo.ca