The Editor, Sir:

The president of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce makes a valid point in urging greater participation by the business community to fulfil corporate social responsibility (Gleaner, December 17) .

While it cannot be denied that taxes are paid to the Government, who in turn is expected to pay for the implementation of national policies, the intensity and scope of crime and indiscipline are such that, without a national collaborative approach, the effective cost to each business is likely to be greater than the cost of contributing to the solutions in time and financial resources.

Recently, I suggested that a conference of all stakeholders is essential to seek a consensus on sustainable solutions which all must take ownership to implement. For the national garden to flourish once again the weeds that permeate society need to be removed.

Finally, unless the concept of giving back to society is firmly rooted in example and training from the youthful years as students, it is hardly likely that the virtue in this concept will be demonstrated when the student is transformed into a professional or business person.

Hence the dictum, the primary requisite for transforming society is individual transformation, which gives one the moral right to speak from example and precept.

I am, etc.,

LALU N. VASWANI

siewibb@promotech.net

25 Clapham Close

St. Michael, Barbados