The recent onslaught of crime on our country and reports given show that young men between the ages 15-25 are carrying out 80 per cent of the heinous crimes in the island.

While we are looking to the Government and the police to reduce crime in the country, we should also look at our basic socialisation skills that start in the home, school, Church and any other institution, which may help to shape the personality and lifestyle of our children.

Most of these young men committing the crimes are at the age where acquiring a good education and career should be of the utmost importance, yet we find them on the street corners hanging around, using drugs, abusing alcohol and finding means to support their high-roller lifestyle.

They are now classified as 'non-productive elements' and 'juvenile delinquents' who move on to become hardened criminals after being placed in the penal system.

Both parents necessary

While some may argue that not every child of single mothers and or fathers turn out to behave like this and that children from other family structures do stray into negative behaviour, the percentage isn't that great.

Both parents are needed to mould the child. While the mothers' roles are wide and varied, one of their main functions is to nurture and provide emotional and physical care along with creating a sense stability for the child while the father is needed to provide security and to be a leader and a positive role model.

We need to give our children more attention and understand that each child will be different and should be treated as individuals. We need to know their likes and dislikes and we need to work with them in building their esteem and prepare and educate them for what is going on in the world.

This will not eliminate crime in its entirety, but there will be a significant increase in the ambition to be successful through hard work, a great boost in moral values and self-esteem that our children have, thus reducing the drive to commit crimes.

I am, etc.,

PATRICE WHYTE

kym_whyte@yahoo.com

Bogue Heights

Montego Bay

St James