THE EDITOR, Sir:

GROWING UP in Jamaica, my grandparents knew the difference between childish pranks, and delinquent behaviour, containing the seeds of criminality. Maybe the reason they knew this difference was that they modelled appropriate behaviour, and saw the image of immaturity whenever something childish was done, and to what extent it deviated from the behaviour they modelled. Crime fighting and punishments are not deterrents to criminal behaviour. Instead, proper home training has always been the key to a sound society.

My grandparents were known for their integrity and honesty, and whenever my behaviour did no with what the community knew of my grandparents, they expressed shock. Morality, ethics, and sound behaviours are characteristics which are 'caught' as they are 'taught'. In other words, not only should these things be taught in school, and in church, but they must be modelled in the homes.

Unfortunately, Jamaica is imitating too much negative behaviour, and thinking that it is chic to do so. There needs to be a stern voice that holds people accountable toa standard in the absence of the parental model. That voice should be that of the Church. Humanistic ethics, such as is being called for by the World Bank, will only go so far and no further. It can help to perform studies, do statistics, even create jobs, but it cannot strike at the root of the problem, immorality, and worse, amorality. Only a conscience can do that. And only a conscience touched by the power of the gospel will achieve that sensitivity.

I am, etc.,

GENE GIBBS

janbou00@juno.com

Dallas, Texas, U.S.A.

Via Go-Jamaica