The low level in matriculation in our universities when it comes to men should not come as a surprise to the powers that be. We have belittled education in this country. For example, the man that drives the big car, lives in the big house never went to university to get a master's or doctoral degree.

We glorify the drug don and gang leader much more than we do a young man who was successful in attaining nine CXC subjects; therefore, why are we surprised that young men no longer want to stay in school and go on to university?

If we want to stop this down-treading then we need to make having an education much more attractive. Companies need to encourage their workers to go back to school and get their educational level upgraded.

Education changes the way a person thinks and behaves. It fosters more intellectual thinking so that when conflicts arise, one is able to make better choices in dealing with them.

- L. Francis, leanord_992003@yahoo.com

I am calling on some of the churches that are preaching politics to desist from doing it. The Church is a hospital for sinners and people look for divine medicine from us.

Some churches deal with the Bible and that is good; I enjoy it. Politics makes the Church divided and the Bible says a nation that is divided against itself cannot stand; same with the Church.

The God we worship is a God of unity and not a God to play with. Let us as the family of God do what He wants us to do by preaching His word to the outcasts.

Far too long corruption is killing Jamaica and only a section of the Church speaks against it while the other section falls asleep.

Let politics be discussed in our nation's Parliament and we as a Church must pray for our leaders.

- Robert Lewars, lewars72@yahoo.com, St. Catherine, Server in the Anglican Church

For several months, I have been soothed, energised and affirmed by Tarrus Riley's anthem or ode to women, She's Royal.

This powerful song with lyrics that speak of respect, admiration, love and acceptance, coupled with a soft, sweet, strong singing style and music that elevates the heart, is a wonderful gift to us.

So I say thanks to Tarrus, you are a royal Jamaican man.

- Donna Parchment, karen.gentles@drfja.org

When are Jamaicans going to stand up for a peaceful and crime-free country?

It appears there is no one willing to fill the shoes of our National Heroes. It is just a shameful situation in Jamaica.