THE EDITOR, Sir:

The debate about the resumption of hanging by both political parties might be considered as an excuse for the government's failure in coming up with effective policies to address rising unemployment among the young people. However, I am particularly disappointed that Senator, Dr. Trevor Monroe has joined the bandwagon for the death penalty to be reinstituted in any form.

Senator Monroe is a political scientist, he knows that "violence begets violence." furthermore, research has shown us, and history as well as experience confirm that rehabilitation is possible through the disciplines of psychology, education and employment.

Our government must invest in pre-delinquent guidance, and paid educational and vocational programmes. The H.E.A.R.T. programme is a good start, but it is underfunded. More needs to be done if the young people are to be dissuaded from the persistent temptation to rely on coercion, extortion and the drug culture to make a living.

Effective measures needed

Modern societies and recent penology agree that there are some offenders who can't adapt to rehabilitation. For such offenders effective measures must be taken to protect our citizens from their atrocities, savagery and indifference to human life and property. It is my view that such offenders ought to remain incarcerated indefinitely so they may not harm innocent people.

I pray that Senator Monroe and other neo-colonist-educated leaders calling on the electorate to return hanging desist, and return to scholarship for the promotion of rehabilitation, rather than advocation of having them killed by the government.

I am, etc.,

REV. Dr. GLENFORD

GEORGE WILSON

North West St. Elizabeth