THE EDITOR, Sir:IT IS INTERESTING to note the parallels between ourselves and Guyana.
We are both former British colonies, two of the poorest and also two of the most crime-ridden nations in the English-speaking Caribbean.
A few weeks ago, the Guyanese Government launched a good manners programme, which I imagine is comparable to Jamaica's values and attitudes campaign. I wish them greater success with their project than we have had so far with ours.
I have long dispensed with the erroneous notion that it is "only a few people wrecking the country."
These destroying angels seem to make up at least 50 per cent of Jamaica's populace and they are also the more boisterous lot.
One hears their loud car stereos blaring crude dance hall and hip hop lyrics long before they reach their destination. As is to be expected, their noise is accompanied by their equally crude behaviour and appearance.
This tripartite manifestation of crudeness speaks volumes about their contempt and complete disregard for others, even those in hospital.
The evening news does not help either, as the crude and vulgar are always given pride of place in coverage of crime scenes and demonstrations.
It is time for the decent 50 per cent of this nation to join hands with the churches, civil society and the media to turn this country around.
It is a formidable task but not an impossible one.
I am, etc
KAREN HENRY
Portmore
St. Catherine
