By hugh Stone, STAr Writer

How can a poverty stricken, high crime rate country afford to pay US$1million (J$66 million) a year for four years to coach 'Bora' to train the national football team?

You may accuse me of not loving the glorious game called football. But don't get me wrong, I love the sport and I will always support my national team. But, there are priority sectors that the Government should look into.

For example, why are we still having pit toilets in our early childhood schools? We even have one circumstance where a child fell into one. Secondly, for the past seven years the total number of murders for the year has averaged more than 800. Thirdly, the health sector is in a deplorable condition. And the list goes on.

Since '98's journey to France, what has the country achieved by going to a World Cup? And how will Jamaica benefit if they reach South Africa 2010? These are the questions that the Government and the private sector should take into consideration before offering $66 million to a coach for a football programme.

Look at the minimum wage pay. How long can parents survive on that while being required to provide shelter, clothing and food for their children who they want to achieve a good education.

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller is it more important to qualify for the World Cup than to spend the money on national security and early childhood education? This Government should pay more attention to the people and their needs and not just a game that they may not see in 2010.

In an article in The Gleaner published recently, it said Jamaica is 104 out of 117 countries in Human Development Index (HDI), and Haiti is the only Caribbean country that is ranked below Jamaica. What that simply means is that the Government is not paying much attention to the human development of the country, but to a football game that lasts only 90 minutes.

I remember when the nurses were in their wage dispute and they called upon the Prime Minister to step in. Up until now, she has neither said 'fee nor foe'. But the road to South Africa is on so right away the country can afford US$1m to pay a coach per year. What about the police who need proper forensic equipment to bring the criminals to justice? And also, what about paying the police better so they will be less likely to take bribes? Also, what will the Government tell the teachers, now especially since they are the backbone of society and were responsible for moulding the the politicians, doctors, lawyers and even the thieves.

But, with all of this, all these sectors were forced to sign an MoU and freeze their pay for two years before another increase. Why not sign a MoU with coach Bora for four years and see how that works? Is it that he won't be required to work as hard as the doctors trying to save a life or the teachers and police who will be carrying out there duties on a measly pay. Or is that they don't have the 'Bora' effect?

If we do qualify for World Cup 2010 can we watch a Jamaica match comfortably and say yes crime is down? Or better yet, our children will have free education, which has been promised over and over? If we can achieve all that we can say thanks for allowing us to qualify for South Africa. If not, then no thanks.

Email: Mr_wormhs@yahoo.com.