THE EDITOR, Sir:

The beating of some of the students and sending home a whole class of 51 at Green Island High School in Hanover last month is showing us that the school system needs to be revisited. Yes, the student was wrong in not cooperating with the teacher (V.P.). Why is it that the student will try to protect the culprit in their class rather reporting him/her to the authorities?

This is a message to the whole country. First, we must stop beating our children. We must show and teach them respect and love. Second, teach our children that hiding or protecting trouble makers will do more damage to the society. We have a serious problem in civil society, as we hide criminals and murderers. Third, sending home a student or parents sending children out in the road, when they misbehave will not solve the problem.

Those engaged in education, especially among young people, and those who influence public opinion, should consider it a very serious responsibility to work for the re-education of Jamaica to a new attitude toward peace and love. We must all undergo a change of heart. We must work together to promote the well-being of the family of Jamaica.

I am, etc.,

JULIAN DADAG

Lucea P.O.

Hanover