THE EDITOR, Sir:I READ with interest Dr. Ralph Thompson's proposal for casino gambling to be legalised and the taxes derived from it used to help the education budget. I am very disturbed by Dr. Thompson's suggestion for two reasons.
Firstly, is he so pessimistic about the creativity and resilience of the Jamaican people that he is willing to reduce a gambling to find answers to our problems? Secondly, what moral example would we be setting for our young by using gambling to fund their education?
As one of our most decorated educators, and someone whom I regard as an intellectual giant, I am very disappointed in Dr. Thompson. By supporting gambling as an acceptable way of life, what moral authority would Dr. Thompson have to tell the extortionists, the dons and the drug lords that what they are doing is wrong? Indeed, all of these nuisances help to send children to school. I want a better education for our children, as does Dr. Thompson. However, the end does not justify the means.
My suggestion to you Dr. Thompson is that you confer with other great educators and come up with a financial plan for education.
I am, etc.,
ANDRÉ WELLINGTON
Teacher
Christiana Leased
Primary and Infant
Manchester
