THE EDITOR, Sir:

The number of street boys/windshield wipers at traffic lights has been allowed to grow over the years and has now assumed epidemic proportions with their numbers appearing to swell each year. The situation is now out of control as the police seem powerless to control the numbers and their actions.

I called the Hunts Bay Police Station asking for their intervention in restricting the boys' activities at the traffic lights leading to the Portmore leg of the Toll Road, I was told that they cannot do anything because as soon as they are removed to Places of Safety they are back on the roads again.

As motorists traversing the roadways, there is uneasiness during the encounters with them. At times, they are insistent and verbally abusive and have been known to damage cars as the spirit moves them.

While we recognise the social and economic conditions that have created this state of affairs, is it too late to reverse this situation and prevent the younger ones from following suit? Do the state agencies responsible for children's affairs have the will or the plan to address the problem? What has happened to the previous initiatives undertaken to deal with these youngsters?

The African proverb, "it takes a village to raise a child" can be applied in this case. Government cannot solve this problem alone, however, they must start the conversation and lead the way.

I am, etc.,

MARCIA HARFORD

gulf@kasnet.com>