The biggest problem
There are currently many different problems facing Jamaica today, high crime rate, economic struggles a poor educational system and a breakdown in discipline. There have been many suggestions offered by both locals and members of the diaspora. We ask the police to be more vigilant in tackling crime. We tell the government that they should create jobs to ease the economic burdens of its citizens. We require teachers to become more than educators, and finally, we ask the Church to play a larger role in maintaining discipline.
Nowhere in any of these recommendations is a call for individual responsibility. This is what I consider the biggest problem facing Jamaica. We have created a culture that consistently depends on others to solve our problems. It is time we face the facts that many of these problems can only be solved by us. People need to realise that it is not the Government's responsibility to create better family structures. Jamaican men will have to change the mentality of having many different 'baby mothers.' Poor people are going to have to stop having more kids than they can afford. Parents need to be the primary teachers of discipline and not teachers.
- André McDonald. andre33319us@yahoo.com, Crestview, Fl, Via Go-Jamaica
More on crime roots
Further to a letter entitled, 'Roots of Crime', written by G. Campbell and published in The Gleaner of March 24, a matter which of great concern to Jamaicans at home and abroad, I would like to add that the roots of Jamaica's problems have to do with that which motivates Jamaicans to act in contradiction to the laws of God and the laws of the land. The roots of the problems are those raw emotions and warped beliefs which drive persons to commit illegal acts. The roots of Jamaica's problems have more to do with erroneous beliefs, which breed anger, murderous thoughts, jealousy, greed and betrayal. These beliefs are generated by how we compete in business and how we interpret religion, politics, and history. Our belief governs how we interpret life and our relationship, commitment and responsibility to each other. The solution to our problems and the prosperity of Jamaica largely depends on our willingness to change the erroneous ways in which we interpret business competition, religion, politics and our history.
- Howard Rennis, hrennis@yahoo.com, Albuquerque, New Mexico
US school violence
I am all for people bettering their lives but the teachers who are considering coming to the US to teach need to know that there is widespread violence in the US schools: fights - including students attacking teachers, shootings, theft, general disrespect for teachers and fellow students, rape, vandalism, etc. For those persons who are considering coming to the States to teach, please do your due diligence and try to speak to organisations or persons who will speak to you not only openly, but honestly and, most of all, truthfully, about the school scene in the US.
- Cynthia L. Stewart, chilli31348238@yahoo.com, Detroit, Michigan, Via Go-Jamaica
