Dear Editor,

On September 11, I was watching the Today show on NBC, and was horrified at what I saw. As I looked on and tried to understand what had happened I too started to cry because it was not long ago that my family and myself were in the World Trade Center. What a building it was. I don't think any Guyanese or anyone in the world can comprehend the beauty and splendour of what was truly an example of America's economic power unless they saw it first-hand. What was particularly sad is the deaths of all those heroes in the police and fire departments who lost their lives trying to save lives; their families will always be in my prayers. I am very glad that Mayor Giuliani and Governor Pataki are heading this operation, I don't think that there is a better team than these two gentlemen in a disaster of this magnitude. May God bless both of them.

I don't know what action President George W Bush will take, but I have full confidence in him, his administration and America's armed forces. I think America should ask the countries of the world which side of the fence they're on. No longer can countries say they are allies of America and the free world and on the other side they support terrorist activities.

This act on American soil is worse than Pearl Harbour. America's response has to be hard and bloody, to send a clear message to the world that these activities will not be tolerated. In March 1775 just before the outbreak of hostilities in Massachusetts, Patrick Henry delivered a speech urging Virginia to prepare for war (American Independence). He closed with these words "Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!" This is an act of war and America has never run away from a fight yet. The people responsible must and will be brought to justice.

I have full confidence that America will get over this. I have never seen a more resilient and unified people than Americans in a crisis like this; they will bury their dead loved ones and go about their lives again. The business community has to realise that the people and government will always be at their sides and they are the ones who have to build back. I am sure that within a few years there will be a bigger and better building in the space that was once the World Trade Center. To the American people you have my deepest sorrow for your losses.

Yours faithfully,
Lawrence K I Saheed
College of Life Sciences
Andrews University