THE EDITOR, Sir:
AS WE celebrate our Emancipation and Independence in the current climate where increasing abuse of children in our country is a frightening reality, it is crucial that we recognise that as a people we cannot accommodate the prevailing circumstance as indicative of a nation celebrating the freedom of its people from slavery and the fight for self-determination.
The abuse of our children includes molestation, absence of proper supervision and care, malice and carelessness that often result in our children's lives being taken away or irreparable psychological and physical harm being done to them. The consequences are that we end up with delinquent children and teenagers who contribute to social disorder. Indeed, we cannot claim to be a free people or a nation charting its own course according to the acceptable standard of contemporary civilised society if child abuse characterises the state of our nation's advancement from slavery and colonisation.
Yet, this frightening reality is the tip of the iceberg of the social problems that we face as a Jamaican society. Present social instability embodies the anger, hatred and selfishness that contribute to poverty, corruption, drug abuse, crime, violence and murder in our society.
Unless we are bent on self-destruction, the time to consider strategies for the reversal of the current trend is now. We cannot allow things to get any worse. The strategy must have its foundation on the recognition of the dignity of each human being, with every effort made to promote and protect that dignity. From this foundation we can foster a caring and loving society motivated by the freedom that is our heritage and the right and duty we cherish as Jamaicans to determine our advancement in a civilised world.
In collaboration with the leaders of our country, each citizen must realise the responsibility of the individual in making Jamaica the kind of place where all persons are respected.
Parents must fulfil their obligation to love and give proper supervision to their children. The Church must continue to make clear that the dignity of the person resides in the fact that we are created in the image and likeness of God and also by the truth that fallen mankind is redeemed by Jesus Christ who gave His life for us.
Our leaders in the public and private sector must endeavour to implement and enforce policies that show due regard for all persons and not appear to be seeking their own benefit. This, for the purpose that "Jamaica may, under God increase in beauty, fellowship and prosperity and play its part in the advancement of the whole human race."
I am, etc.,
FR. KENNETH D. RICHARDS
St. Jude's and St. Patrick's Catholic
Churches
Kingston
