The Editor, Sir:

I am among the many thousands of young Jamaicans who are grateful beneficiaries of the Students' Loan Bureau (SLB) for affording us the opportunity to access higher education, which could not be otherwise obtained under the current economic climate. I find it most fitting, however, to suggest to our beloved Prime Minister, Sister P, against the background of an election year and in view of other strategic pronouncements that have been made in recent times - free health care for minors, increased NHT loan per applicant, among others - that the repayment period of the student loan be significantly extended to a, I dare say, civilised, humane and manageable one.

Longer periods for similar agencies

My reasons for this suggestion include the fact that many similar lending agencies in other countries set many years for repayment, giving the young graduate an opportunity to start a life of independence. The tens of thousands of young persons, who incidentally are of voting age, will be most grateful should such a decision be made.

The younger members of the electorate are increasingly becoming sensitised to policies, and issues, and how they affect their lives rather than tradition and will support a leader if he/she addresses these in a manner that positively impacts on their day-to-day life, regardless of original political persuasion.

I am among many individuals who want to repay our student loan because it is the moral and legal thing to do, but also have a need for self-preservation, escaping the hangman noose of the SLB and their constant threats of public humiliation and possible jail time, if we cannot meet the astronomically set monthly figures in the unrealistically short time.

I had to borrow from the bureau for the five years of medical school and to be asked to repay over $80,000 per month for five years is next to impossible and just plain unrealistic. Should this figure be cut in half and the repayment period at least doubled, then I can see the chance for a young man to not only meet the obligations of the bureau but contribute to the building of a well-balanced andproductive family and society. After all, why do we go through so much pains to get educated if it was not for this latter fact?

Save our necks, Sister P.

I am, etc.,

FRUSTRATED BORROWER

Via Go-Jamaica