THE EDITOR, Sir:
AS I looked at the smiling faces in the newspapers of those bright youngsters who did so well on their CXC and other exams I was overcome by emotional conflict; for every one that is rescued an equal number is cast to the dungeons.
I take the case of 14-year-old Trevor. I sat in the audience at his graduation and waited for the past three years I had observed Trevor passing by on his way to school. Many days he was absent then I started to help and his attendance improved a lot. I watched as he ascended the platform and faced the server. He smiled, and when Trevor smiles you are forced to smile; he lights up to the skies. He was handed his award and the cameras flashed; I felt tears, brimming in my eyes. Two years before I stood on the same platform as the server, now I wondered.
You see, I found out only two days before that little Trevor could not read or write; Neither can his 19-year-old brother.
I am not talking of reading comprehension; I am talking of recognising his written name; the word poison; danger; caution; beware; I am talking of life and death.
Let us bow our heads in a moment of silence for the thousands like Trevor our future generation who are doomed to a life of darkness, the darkness of illiteracy. This nation should bow its head in shame.
I am, etc.,
GERALD A. HEDMANN
Mount Felix
Morant Bay P.O. Box 207
St. Thomas
