Dear Editor-in-Chief,
I noticed from recent news articles posted on the Internet
that your government officials have decided to conduct
polygraph examinations of police and government employees
to deter corruption. Although the goal is commendable
and achievable, the selection of the polygraph is not
a good choice. The polygraph has failed miserably in
the US and Mexico , and has an error rate in excess
of 35%. This means there is a very significant chance
that an innocent person may appear to be guilty based
upon the polygraph (this is referred to as a False Positive
result).
There has been a concerted effort by the polygraph industry
to embellish both the accuracy and utility of the polygraph.
In a report prepared for the U.S. Congress, the National
Academy of Sciences stated that "Bias, conflict
of interest, and unscientific decision making"
was evident in the so-called "studies" that
were produced by the polygraph industry to support their
claims of accuracy.
The proponents of the polygraph never mention the vast
amount of evidence showing the polygraph to be extremely
inaccurate, and that the polygraph has a 50 year documented
history of convicting innocent people of crimes they
did not commit. Also, according to the US National Academy
of Sciences, the polygraph is no better than the flip
of a coin when conducting "screening" examinations,
such as attempting to identify those involved in corruption.
I have attached a recent news release which irrefutably
demonstrates the polygraph is unreliable for "lie
detection." I am quite certain that neither you,
your citizenry, nor the officials in your government,
were made aware of this information before deciding
to use the polygraph to screen your police officers.
I believe that both your citizens and government officials
should be made aware of this information before disastrous
mistakes are made by relying on the "junk science"
of polygraph. The polygraph has ruined the lives of
many innocent people, and it would be tragic if this
were allowed to happen in your nation.
I am available to discuss this issue should you require
additional information.
Sincerely,
Professor James L. Chapman
Criminologist
Dear Bus and Taxi Drivers,
I lived on Nevis last year and taught 6th grade at Lyn
Jeffers School. This letter is to thank all the drivers
who gave me such friendly, wonderful service during
my time on Nevis. Everyone was always polite and helpful.
I have lived in other countries and travelled widely
and the service on Nevis is the best. I had no need
for a car because they provided for all my transportation
needs. I hope the local people appreciate the drivers
because they deserve our respect and thanks.
Thank you to all the bus and taxi
drivers of Nevis for the reasonably priced, efficient,
and dependable service you provided for me during
my year long stay on Nevis.
Best wishes,
Connie Hanson
Ft Myers, Florida
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