The Editor, Sir:

The report that some teachers in schools across Jamaica are extorting monies from students for the return of properties that were confiscated is yet another low in our country. Yes! Corruption has extend its tentacles and has now taken a stranglehold on our institutions of learning.

Traditionally, our teachers have more moral sway and influence over our children.

It is so sad that we can no longer depend on our teachers - the last hope - for this moral leadership. (The Church lost theirs a long time ago). And, it is worse that all our good teachers will be painted with the same brush (as in the case of the police force). This crudeness, rudeness, lewdness and rampant corruption over time came about because of lack of leadership from our elected leaders in the People's National Party and the Jamaica Labour Party. Under these two parties the ills in our society abound. No effective laws were enacted to stem acts of corruption and other vices in our country. It is sickening to hear a teacher shamelessly and brazenly admit that he takes (a ting) money from students.

I fervently hope that whenever the general election is called, whichever party wins, that the margin of victory would be a slim 28-32 seats. Maybe this will be the only time that we the people will get effective leadership from our government.

It would be great if we could get a 'St. Lucia surprise' and have all or some of the fifteen candidates for the NDM party elected.

I am, etc.,

AUTHNEL REID

authnelreid@aol.com

Via Go-Jamaica