THE EDITOR, Sir:
I AM a Jamaican living in the U.K. I have just returned from Jamaica after an absence of six years. I was dismayed at what appears to be a serious decline in moral standards among the youth in that time. Stories of school children having sex in hospitals I had thought was fiction. I was astonished to find that this may be true and to learn that they now have sex on public buses and that schoolgirls have 'no panty days'.
The fact that cases of carnal abuse seem to have dramatically increased as well as rape cannot be coincidental, neither the higher prevalence of HIV and AIDS. From conversations with my peers I understand this is a fair representation of what is taking place in Jamaica.
My colleagues in Jamaica share my concern that the issues are not being adequately addressed by those in authority. Parents, Government, social services agencies, schools, educators, etc need to engage with these children. These children must be educated to realise that their behaviour is not only socially unacceptable but can blight their futures.
The justice system also has to take a lead. It should not be possible for complainants and witnesses to be bought off from pursuing a case. Juries must understand that these men are paedophiles and if they let them off in the face of clear evidence, they will go on to cause harm to others. The tourist industry has to address the continued portrayal of Jamaica as a destination for easy available sex. The media has a major role to play in educating the public and should take some responsibility. Newspapers use far too much column space on which Minister is shouting out of turn, not toeing the party line or whether the Finance Minister can do his sums. TV and radio do the same.
Obviously these are important and interesting issues, especially to commentators and the chattering classes. However, the Minister can and will be able to borrow to get the country out of bankruptcy. All countries do. There is little hope for the future of the country if its young people are encouraged to be morally bankrupt.
I am, etc.,
CORDELLA BART
cbartstewart@aol.com
Southgate, London
Via Go-Jamaica
