The Editor, Sir:

In November 2006, I spoke at a youth forum under the theme 'Restore the Family ... Save our Children'. The event and the speech's content were publicised. Vernon Daley, in his article 'Golding, the family man', published November 28, 2006, made specific references to this speech.

At its conclusion, he said, "... Mr Golding needs to tell us now what concrete proposals he has in mind to rebuild family life in Jamaica and place it at the centre of national development. Rani Sittol, I think, would love to hear."

Mr Daley was right. Now that Golding is PM, curiosity has got the better of me, and has led me to pose these questions to the Honourable PM.

I still hold the belief that the family influences the child directly, and if we restore the family, we save our children. In light of all our nation's societal problems, how does our new Government plan to tackle these problems? Removing phones from schools? Issuing condoms in school? Reviewing the abortion laws, or will it be by 'getting the guns?'

Crime rate

Although these are all good efforts, they will be incomparable to the effects of restoring the family. Restoration of the family does not mean the structure (our culture is diverse). The make-up does not matter, as it has no significant bearing on the values passed on. Instead, the amount of time families spend as a unit runs not only the family, but our society! It is no wonder then, our crime rate is so high, much more our 'oh so wonderful' CSEC grades!

I write not to criticise, but to seek solutions to our social problems. The relatively modern phenomenon of two-income families, which is necessary, has a far-reaching impact on the family's ability to properly socialise children and perform its traditional functions. How do you assess the effects of restoration? My answer: the decrease in violence in the years to come, etc.

One way restoration can be achieved is by economic empowerment at the family level where parents or caregivers balance their children's emotional needs with their economic needs.

"It takes a community to raise a child.' This principle true years ago, is true today. The bus driver who plays vulgar music for young passengers, promoters who put up posters of nude women on school walls, inconsiderate media who run age-inappropriate commercials during G-rated TV programmes for children, are all a part of the community that contradict messages families are trying to pass on. If the family is restored, these practices must cease. This raises the issue of censorship. Which is of a higher priority: censorship or abortion?

I do not know if my age makes me ignorant of your governmental issues. But as a concerned citizen, I would love to hear. You said you will rebuild family life in Jamaica, etc. What are your attempts? What will your attempts be? How will you assess the effectiveness of these attempts?

I am, etc.,

RANI SITTOL (16 years old)