THE EDITOR, Sir:
CONGRATULATIONS ARE in place for Cliff Hughes for being named Journalist of the Year. Reading through the article of his life story and particularly the humble beginning that he had, was quite touching. However, there is a tremendous lesson to be learnt from his life. The lesson is that a good education is our saving grace.
It is highly improbable that Cliff Hughes and thousands of poor children, then, myself included, would have entered high school if it were not for Michael Manley's policies on education. I was able to enter high school with the introduction of the shift system where my classes began in the afternoon and I headed home after 5:30 in the afternoon, often hungry and tired and sweaty.
However, what hope does a country have if every single individual, particularly its young, does not get a good education? Just imagine if Cliff Hughes and thousands like himself had not got a good education. Think about the contribution that one educated person can make to a society.
There is a flip side too when an individual does not get an education. However, let's focus on the positive side and learn from Cliff Hughes and what education can do.
I am, etc.,
LEIGHTON JACKSON
Jackson_leighton@hotmail.com
Freeport, New York
Via Go-Jamaica
