The Editor, Sir:
Mr. Al Jacques in his 'Letter of the Day' in The Gleaner, January 27, hit the nail on the head with his 'Reform Jamaica' idea to resolve our greatest problem, the behaviour of our people.
It was once said that Jamaica's greatest asset was its people, but unfortunately, this is no longer necessarily so. I believe that the balance has tipped in favour of indiscipline, and that the good, compassionate and caring people are now in the minority, though it may be a very close contest. There is no mystery as to the cause of this negative development. It is how one grows up from childhood. There are now two generations, almost three, of children of miserable single parent homes or no homes at all to speak of; children of little or no education to speak of, children of no love or discipline to speak of. What are they, these generations, speaking of now? They speak of hatred, hunger, wanting, revenge, violence, murder; that which they have seen and heard around them, as they tried to identify themselves, to belong somewhere, to survive and grow up, that which has grown and hardened inside of them, is that which is coming out now. It is natural.
poverty doesn't lead to crime
This widespread indiscipline, however, is not necessarily a result of poverty. Many wonderful Jamaicans grew up poor, and made their way out due to the kindness of a friend, opportunity grasped and resources well utilised. The point is, what opportunity was grasped? Was it clean or criminally backed? The opportunity to make quick money by dishonesty or crime is too immediate and attractive for most suffering and bitter young people to pass up. And perhaps before too long they are 'somebody' with money, house, 'criss' car and cellphone.
Mr. Jacques is aware of all this. His suggestion is timely, and it is imperative that we get going on it. I am ready to help in any way I can to do something for my Jamaica, which I see floundering in a thick mire of hate, indiscipline and indifference. We are sick to death of these shouted hypocritical promises and pompous, empty pronouncements from our prosperous politicians.
I am, etc.,
L. Duperrouzel
Kingston 10
