The Editor, Sir:

Major Richard Reese's call to raise the age of consent to 18 years makes absolute sense! Why is it that our young people are not deemed competent to choose the government of their country and other important engagements but are given the right to have sex freely at 16 years?

Everyone knows what sexual intercourse leads to: a potential for sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS, poor school work and attendance and losing their childhood experience, which is crucial to evolving into adulthood.

Arguing against raising the age to 18 because of the alluded to reason, is tantamount to saying that I will not disclose my child having an illegal gun because he will go to prison. How does such an action help the child positively and hundreds of others in a similar dilemma?

I am, etc.,

JOSHUA SPENCER

joshuaspencer@rogers,com

Toronto, Ontario

Canada

Via Go-Jamaica