The Editor, Sir:

In a country in which the murder rate continues to soar, food prices continue to skyrocket, doubtlessly forcing more families to serve more unbalanced meals and resulting in more people becoming susceptible to lifestyle illnesses, I find it appalling that so many persons continue to think of life insurance as unnecessary, even as a rip-off.

It is my view that adults in this country need to be helped to recognise their obligation to their mates, families and relatives. It should be obligatory to educate family heads on the importance of life insurance. They should be helped to recognise it as the chief means that can be used by ordinary people to ensure that the dreams they have for their children are even partially met.

Difficult times

Jamaicans should be helped to appreciate the importance of planning ahead in these difficult times. They should recognise the social responsibility which lies on insurance agents due to the 'high risk' society in which we live and value life insurance as a nation and as individuals.

Many years ago, taxpayers were given a rebate if they were paying for life insurance. Could this arrangement be revisited? Could we identify life insurance for what it really is - the safest way to secure the future of our loved ones in an otherwise distraught and troubled society?

I am, etc.,

CHLOE PEDDY

Main Street

Mandeville