THE EDITOR, Sir:RECENTLY IN a letter (SLB get act together 14/1/05) I expressed support for students, especially those in the faculty of Humanities, to participate in the UWI student exchange programmes. I have since received two responses to the letter and wish to reply.
The first was from one Primerose Demetrius, who wrote: Mr. McLean, I pity your way of thinking. If the humanities are available at the Mona campus, tell me, why should The SLB offer loans to study in Trinidad and Barbados? A student in Kingston can take a bus to Mona everyday. In Trinidad and Barbados the same student needs money for room or board. Now tell me, aren't you penny wise and pound foolish? I see you studied theology, I hope to God you are not going to preach because Jamaica has enough
shallow-minded preachers already. For God's sake, save us from more stupidity. Don't preach!
EDUCATIONAL ADVANCEMENT
Ms. Demetrius' objection for students in the Humanities to benefit from the UWI campus exchange that would lead to integration and educational advancement is grounded in the fact that it is already offered locally and going to Trinidad or Barbados would incur further cost. Apparently she does not realise that Jamaican students in Law and Engineering also receives loans and grants from the Student Loan Bureau (SLB) for the same purposes.
Reasoning can be right with respect to correctness or sequence on the one hand, or with respect to the content or truth on the other. However Ms. Demetrius' fallacy is Dicto Simpliciter, which is an argument, based on an unqualified generalisation.
The second letter was from one 'S. Reklaw' who in a few sentences sums up the problem the UWI and the Caribbean community faces:" ...Caribbean Insularity and educational bias against things not business driven are still plaguing the Caribbean region. Glad knowing you overcome these obstacles... God Bless, and more power to the Anglicans. "Positive Spirit rules!" I need say no more.
I am, etc.,
DUDLEY C. MCLEAN II
d.mc@cwjamaica.com
