Why boys failThe main blame for the failure of our boys to keep pace educationally with our girls stems from the fact that many parents fail their boys. Peter Espeut has failed to mention this in his series to date.
Boys are often labelled 'bad' by mothers and fathers from the time they begin to reach to grasp things around them. This is often said as if it is some badge of honour. It is not surprising therefore, when they live up to their labels. Unfortunately, and in addition, they often do not get the kind of nurturing and attention that many girls receive because they are allowed to roam and 'play ball', while girls are expected to stay home and 'learn to do something'.
Today, we must laud the wise parents who encourage and support all their children in order to facilitate their success in life. As parents though, we must pause to identify the dangerous biases which may exist in our parenting patterns and take corrective measures immediately.
- Desna Henry Goulbourne
des236@msn.com
Lititz, Watson's Hill P.O., Manchester
Lead by actionsThe leaders of Jamaica's two major political parties often speak about the need for peace and unity in our land, expound the virtues of having proper values and attitudes, and decorate their speeches with biblical references. At the same time, they themselves often partake in a war of words, both on the political platform and in Gordon House. They often attempt to make themselves look as 'puritanical' and 'decent' as possible while hurling beautifully worded 'verbal missiles' at each other.
Such actions send the wrong message to the youth, many of whom are fed up with the divisiveness and corruption that exist on the local political landscape. PNP and JLP MPs engage in too much 'cass-cass' in Gordon House, which often reduces Parliament to a downtown market scene.
If Portia and Bruce are truly about change and moving away from the old style of politics, then they must lead, not only by uttering beautiful words but, more importantly, by their actions.
- Patrick A. Gallimore
pagalley@hotmail.com
Kingston
Heather's faulty critiqueThanks to Heather Robinson for helping me to assess both political parties before I vote at the age of 30. Houses have been built, but I don't know how affordable they are to the average Jamaican. Thousands graduate every year, but are unable to be accommodated by the Jamaican job landscape, so they take their knowledge abroad. Almost 70 per cent of those who graduate from high school do so without a single subject.
Thanks for the highways, but every day I see poor people in the rural areas demonstrating for roads; they need roads to get to the highways. This course must be changed.
- Sadarka Russell
sadiboy77@hotmail.com
Portmore
The man in green has my trust, because he could afford to put his country before hisbeloved party even to the detriment of his own political career. Thank God for people like him. If a driving instructor orders a right turn and the student goes left and because of pride he sticks to the course,then the student is sure to fail. He should humbly admit that due to being nervous, he did not hear, ask for a second chance, so as to prove how good a 'driver' he can be. Sticking to the wrong course can be detrimental.
