THE EDITOR, Sir:

It's refreshing to know that though Jamaican society has become increasingly harsh and cold, there are still many persons who go beyond duty's call in giving a helping hand.

On Saturday evening, a friend and I were marooned at Priory beach in St Ann, as the car was locked with the keys inside (or so we believed). As nightfall draped the beach, we sought assistance from the jerk vendor there. He summoned a fellow by phone to help break into the car.

When the guy came, he spent nearly an hour trying to break in. Unfortunately, it just wouldn't work. So I had to trod barefooted (our shoes were locked inside) to take a taxi at the roadside, and then walk through St Ann's Bay square, still barefooted with pants dragging through dirt and water, to the police station. There, Sergeant Powell spared no effort in securing a locksmith for me, sometime after 8:00 p.m.

Locksmith to the rescue

About 9:00 p.m. or so, Colin, a master locksmith from Ocho Rios, came to our rescue. Having easily broken in, we discovered, to our chagrin, the keys weren't in the car! Aaargh! So Colin, even when everyone left the beach, blanketed in darkness, worked feverishly cutting keys, dismantling the steering wheel lock, and sending us - two strangers - home safe and sound.

Thanks again to 'Jerky', Sergeant Powell and Colin, Ochi's best locksmith, for coming to our assistance.

I am, etc.,

ETERNALLY GRATEFUL

Kingston