THE EDITOR, Sir:

The most recent debate on hanging has sparked a controversy, but Albert Einstein said it best: "When you look at yourself from a universal standpoint, something inside always reminds or informs you that there are bigger and better things to worry about."

Never before, in the history of our country, was so much owed to so many.

To consider hanging as a means of solving problems within the society, we need to look at things seriously. We don't need to look at hanging as some desperate attempt to solve the social problems. No problem of human destiny is beyond human beings. We need it not just for our time but for all times.

Look at other systems

We need to examine the fundamentals of the society and the environment in which we exist - job creation, education and productivity, the right to life and the pursuit of happiness.

Other countries in the world have implemented systems that work. Probably we need to take a look at them as well. Upon these depend our way of life, long continuity and our institutions.

Let us, therefore, brace ourselves to our duty to bear ourselves to give this country the best that it deserves. Each and everyone of us is called upon, both government and citizens alike, to summon the patriotism that is embedded within us. However fixed our likes and dislikes may seem, let us not be blind to our differences, let us direct attention to the common interest and, if it lasts, we would have said this was our finest effort.

I am, etc.,

PAUL NEWELL

69 Pamella Avenue

Old Harbour PO

St Catherine