THE EDITOR, Sir:

IT SEEMS to me that settling disputes in an amicable fashion is sadly lacking in Jamaica's culture. Disputes between opposing factions, particularly those which arise among poor and illiterate individuals, often lead to personal injury or death. This is due mainly to the lack of ability to reason properly and express anger in a non-violent fashion.

The knife and the gun are the primary tools through which disputes are resolved among individuals who simply do not know any better. This is either due to lack of education and/or lack of what constitutes proper family values. The home, the church and the school are three primary institutions through which this critical problem can be addressed.

I am, etc.,

PATRICK A. GALLIMORE

pagalley@hotmail.com

Kingston

Via Go-Jamaica