The Editor, Sir:

I read with interest about the debate on free education. Some writers have come up with the question of the cost to the country. It is important to outweigh the cost with the greater good and impact it will have on Jamaica. Jamaica may not be in a position to promote free education, but our focus should be strongly in that direction. "The longest road starts with the first positive step".

I think that Fidel Castro and Hugo Chávez will be the two unsung heroes of the 20th century, as far as education is concerned. They have championed the cause for true democracy through education. It is clear that an educated population will promote true prosperity through knowledge of self, the value of life and our environment.

Education

Chávez is using the natural reserves in the country to benefit the population. Cuba is still promoting free education the U.S.A. has placed restrictions through an embargo. When I study the educational system in North America, it is clear to me that education is not on the priority list. The high cost of tuition and fees associated with the learning process is a disgrace. Clearly, education is for the rich and those who are willing to put themselves in debt to acquire soft loans with high interest rates. This situation will only get worse. This poses a challenge and a struggle for the next generation, who may opt out of an education if something is not done to stop this madness.

The future seems to lie with people coming together to form their own learning environments and even institutions of higher learning through resourceful people who have the university credentials to drive this strategy.

These institutions do not have to acquire buildings. People can meet in homes, libraries, public places and even parks. Needless to say, people would have to give generously of their time and even their resources. Certificates and diplomas could be awarded.

This could be a temporary fix until the Government in power gets its act together. We have come too far in slave ships to be denied the right to free education. This right was denied by "the powers that be" during our enslavement. As Bob Marley rightly said, "we have to free our minds from mental slavery". Education should never be for profit, only progress.

It is time to start a new era in education. People will have to wake up and those who are fortunate to have an education should educate others. An uneducated population will only be a liability to any government. The Government of Jamaica should invest in people in order to promote true democracy.

I am, etc.,

RICHARD ASQUITH

rasquith@rogers.com

P.O. Box 2588

Toronto, Ontario

Canada

Via Go-Jamaica