THE EDITOR, Sir:I AM an elderly person who is greatly distressed because of the rising crime rate in this our beautiful country, so I felt very pleased when I read the article by Ken Jones in the June 13 edition of The Sunday Gleaner.
He stated what was a fact during my school days, when corporal punishment was permitted. The cane and strap were used according to the seriousness of the offence, so discipline was much better than it is now.
I was taught that Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived, and he stated many facts pertaining to the upbringing of children in the Book of Proverbs:
Chapter 19, verse 18 "Chasten thy son while there is hope and let not thy soul spare for his crying".
Chapter 22, verse 15 "Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child, but the rod of correction will drive it far from him".
Chapter 23 verse 13 "Withhold not correction from the child, for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die".
Chapter 29, verse 5 "The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame".
I was most astonished when I read in Monday's Gleaner that some misguided persons connected to UNICEF have now suggested that flogging of children should not be done even by their parents. It is evident that such persons are not aware of the growing violence and indiscipline in schools and in the wider society.
We have all been born with a sinful nature. Therefore, our words and our actions came from our thoughts.
In the long ago days when corporal punishment could be administered in schools, and children were taught religious education in schools and in Sunday schools, we never heard of weapons being taken to schools with the intent to commit crimes; but now that there is so much emphasis on sports, not many children are sent to churches to get Godly training which may not be given in the homes.
Instead, they are allowed to go to sport fields, hence they lack discipline. I grieve for my country when I read of the gang warfare between teenagers whose parents are unable to give them proper training.
I sincerely pray that well-thinking citizens will organise themselves to protest against the stupid suggestion re flogging by parents in their homes, as this folly will affect the entire country in a very serious way.
I pray that people will realise that Christ in their lives will empower them to live lives that will be pleasing to Him.
I am, etc.,
SARAH SUTHERLAND
Port Antonio
