The Editor, Sir:

Jamaica could well be heading for anarchy in our streets, as public officials like the Public Defender, make irresponsible comments like, "Hold your corner".

The populace takes their queue from people of influence who are either silent on the matter of homosexuality, or as in the case of Bishop Wellesley A. Blair, administrative bishop of the New Testament Church of God, are outrightly vocalising their contempt for the lifestyle of people who are 'different'.

I commend Reverend Campbell of Mandeville who has stepped up to the plate to defend the right to life and liberty of every Jamaican under the Constitution. If we are not careful, we are going to have a 'killing field', no one will be safe.

Let us start to teach tolerance. Everyone needs to be protected by our police and our government.

The leaders aspiring for the highest political office in the land need to denounce violence of all kinds and assure every single citizen that no harm will come to them because of personal choices. We need to grow up.

We need to abolish corporal punishment in the school and homes and teach our people from early to respect one another and learn to resolve conflicts without resorting to violence. Maybe then, another child will not be beaten and burnt with hot water, or this disgraceful display of barbarism in Falmouth will be a thing of our shameful past.

I am, etc.,

PATRICK ROACH

pgerry2001@yahoo.com

Toronto, Canada

Via Go-Jamaica