The Editor, Sir:

With reference to the article 'Resilience -The key to surviving in the United Kingdom', I have been living here for almost 10 years and racism is no worse for Jamaicans than it is for other minorities.

In fact, I think that Asians (those of Indian and Pakistani origin) face greater racism than any other minority, yet they are really making strides in every area of the economy.

I think what many Jamaicans, especially those just coming over, perceive as racism is just misunderstanding on their part and the English people they encounter.

We have been here for a long time and I think we are accepted by the majority of the white populace.

The greatest problem we have here, even greater than racism or even terrorism, is 'black on black crime'. Within the past three weeks we have had seven murders all committed by black teenagers against black teenagers.

A recent poll showed that, among 15-18-year-old males, one of the highest groups underachieving (leaving school without any qualifications) was that of Afro-Caribbean heritage.

Opportunities are here if people want to avail themselves to them, especially in education. Why these kids don't make use of these opportunities only they know. They prefer to hang around street corners doing nothing while collecting state benefits, that is their choice.

Please, for those who will want to blame society, save it!

I am, etc.

PERES DIXON

Kent, England