THE EDITOR, Sir:
I AM one of this country's old citizens who are grieved because of the level of crime and violence here.
When I was a student, there were no Guidance Counsellors in schools, for teachers gave advice and used flogging to enforce discipline when it was necessary to do so. I think it was a retrograde step in the maintenance of law and order in this country, when flogging was abolished in schools.
Owing to the fact that children are now having children, they are being reared without guidance. I was taught that Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived, and in the Book of Proverbs, he made many references to the need for discipline of children.
Let me quote two of his sayings:
Proverbs 13:24: "He that spareth his rod hateth his son, but he that loveth him, chasteneth him betimes."
Chapter 29:15: The rod and reproof give wisdom but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
Fifty or so years ago, children used to attend Sunday Schools, but it is my opinion that this is a rare sight, consequently many murders are being committed by youths who did not receive any Godly training at home or in churches. It is good that sporting facilities are being provided for youths, but I do not think that this should be encouraged on a Sunday which is a day for worship for most God-fearing citizens. The Bible says, "Righteousness exalteth a nation but sin is a reproach to any people.
We need to instil spiritual values in our people as this will surely help in the reduction of crime and many sexually transmitted diseases.
I am, etc.,
SARAH SUTHERLAND
Port Antonio
