THE EDITOR, Sir:I COMMEND THOSE who are planning the violence-free day campaign for February 6 to commemorate the 60th birthday of Jamaica's late international entertainment icon, the Honourable Robert Nesta Marley, O.M.
But it is my fervent wish that these activities be extended for the entire year.
In my opinion, peace can only exist if everybody makes a strong commitment to preserve it. This should not be just a day but more of a lasting effort.
As chairman and chief executive officer of Madden's Funeral Supplies Limited, I continue to practise a long-standing family tradition of counselling for the youths in the downtown innercity community where the business establishment is located.
I have been encouraged by some of the results of these interventions where desperate youths have been lifted from begging to earning situations. This has also helped to restore their confidence and self-esteem.
Others have been sponsored to participate in vocational skills training at places like the Chestervale Youth Camp where they are encouraged to make a contribution to community building rather than to be involved in violence.
My grandfather, the late Leslie Ferdinand Madden, and my father, Ferdinand Madden snr., believed in giving a listening ear and giving assistance to persons in the community no matter how trivial it may seem.
Because of this, we have gained the trust and confidence of the people and myself and my other siblings have continued this tradition of caring.
We are sure that other establishments in the innercity are also reaching out to the community but would like to urge them to even extend themselves further than just a day to ensure lasting peace and offer alternatives to our youths in the innercity so that they can turn away from a life of crime
I am, etc.,
FERDINAND
MADDEN, JR.
Chairman/Chief
Executive Officer
Madden's Funeral
Supplies Limited
