The Editor, Sir:

I would like to use your distinguished paper to thank some very wonderful people for their contribution to Optimist International Caribbean District - Zone 5 Child Abuse Forum. This forum was held on Saturday, May 3, as one of our many projects in recognition of Child Month. Though the numbers were small, we were thoroughly educated by the information imparted to us by Her Honour Judge Paula Blake-Powell of the Half-Way Tree Criminal Court, Mrs Delicia Thomas of the Child Development Agency and Miss Georgia Garvey of the Office of the Children's Advocate.

Special thanks

However, it would not have been possible without the help of the management and staff of the Emancipation Park, Neveast Supplies, Royale Computers and Accessories, Office Supplies Brokers Ltd, MAPCO Printers Ltd, Xsomo International Ltd, Guardian Life Ltd, Jamaica Beverages Ltd and the members of the Caribbean Optimist District. Dr Donna Hope was instrumental in us being granted an interview on HOT 102 FM, and Dr Kingsley "Ragashanti" Stewart, on news talk 93 FM, who allowed us a few minutes to advertise the event and also The Gleaner Company who posted our advertisement in the Children's Own.

Learn

Those in attendance expressed thanks for the event as they learnt so much more on child abuse. Remember, child abuse is not only the sexual and physical abuse of our children. But also, neglect and psychological, in addition to child labour among many others, and as Judge Paula Blake-Powell said, the laws governing child abuse "now have teeth and will definitely bite"!

On behalf of the members of Zone 5 of Optimist International Caribbean District, thank you all.

I am, etc,

ANGELINE THOMPSON

Lieutenant Governor

Zone 5