THE EDITOR, Sir:
A lot of wonderful things are happening in this country, but the worst possible thing that is happening, is happening to our young people, and our young men in particular. In another few months, over 40,000 young people will be leaving the school system, and the vast majority of them will be joining the multitude, already out there with very little hope of finding employment.
Whether by inadvertence or otherwise, they are deprived of opportunity and survival becomes their first priority. Many have come to believe that they have to "hustle" and "juggle" to survive, and that "banduluism" is an essential factor in that survival struggle. In addition, we make life so hard that we encourage people to perfect the art of beating the system, virtually a way of life now (there goes corruption).
We have been trying to suppress crime and violence for many years using force, by way of "The Suppression of Crimes Act" and various anti-crime task forces, without much success. This is because we are producing criminals faster than we are able to catch them. The only thing that will bring down the level of crime in any significant way, is employment.
This would also result in less pressure on the justice system, less pressure on hospital services and more tax revenues; revenues that could be better utilised, for instance, in education.
I also believe that every courtesy should be extended to our Returning Residents. They are not deportees or refugees, they were our ambassadors abroad, and they have every right to be here, but what is more, the value of their skills and values and attitudes which they bring is far greater than any taxes which we might want to collect from them.
Our young people would benefit tremendously from the new scene of hope and self-worth. Not to mention the great increase in economic activity that their arrival would bring about. "Nothing is more powerful than an idea whose time has come." (Victor Hugo) Enough Wake-up Call. Rise, and shine, you mighty people. Your future is in your own hands.
I am, etc.,
VICTOR E. NUGENT
P.O. Box 206
St. Ann's Bay
