The Editor, Sir:

The suggestion by a correspondent published in The Gleaner January 12 to ban music that contain messages promoting violence as a means of reducing acceptance by the public is valid, but who is going to 'bell the cat' (i.e. implement it) is where the difficulty will arise.

This is because there are vested interests who derive financial benefit including the artistes, producer, musicians, recording studios, music wholesalers and retailers. Their interest is purely partisan and hence the need for impartial institutions that regulate the standards that are right and proper for society as a whole.

The fundamental issue for a country through its elected officials is to illustrate their vision for uplifting people by seeking consensus and then implementing policies which will result in the realisation of the vision, in this case, a vision for peace and harmony.

Due to the fact that Governments are often consumed with so many complex issues, often it is leadership from civil society that can help to define national priorities and take corrective action. Too often we hear citizens complaining about what is the government doing about this or that problem. Have we asked ourselves, what are we doing to show we care? The Church, private sector, civil society have the talent, skill and creative energy to do what is necessary, but need to change from passive to active mode to raise up the country, by dealing with those issues that are pulling us down as a nation.

I am, etc.,

LALU N. VASWANI

siewibb@promotech.net

St. Michael, Barbados

Via Go-Jamaica