Dear Mr Gleaner,

I am writing you about the pressing issue of crime and violence in our beautiful island of Jamaica. One day recently my 13-year-old brother came home from school. He had a maths test the day before and was expecting his result the following day. When he showed me his result I was deeply disturbed. He is an 'A' student who normally does well in mathematics, so I was quite surprised when I saw 30 per cent on his test paper.

Concern

I was concerned and wanted to know the reason for this, so I asked him. He just looked at me and said, "The way things are going on it doesn't make any sense I burst my brain and study because by the time I grow up everybody, including myself, will be dead. So it's better for me to enjoy myself while I have the chance to."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing, he had given up every hope he had. You see what this is doing to us young people? And he is just one out of the million of us who have this mentality. We have lost all hope and our dreams have been tarnished. I am a regular young reader of both The Star and The Gleaner, and there is never a day when I take up these papers without seeing articles of criminal offences. Father rape daughter, son stab mother, two-year-old killed in hit-and-run are just some of the distressing articles read.

To tell you the truth, Mr Gleaner, my heart bleeds. Why is it that we are so wicked? Mr Gleaner, I hate watching the news, it's vicious, heartless and cruel, but if I don't watch it I won't know what is going on in my country. People are being shot like birds and dumped like garbage. Doesn't life mean anything to us again?

Stop and pray

I had the opportunity to go to Dovecot last Saturday, and within the space of 20 minutes I saw more than 15 hearses. Whenever I watch the news I have to stop and pray. I pray for justice, comfort, but most of all I pray for love. Where is the love in our heart? You know if we love people we won't try to hurt them and then peace will reign. When was the last time you told someone you love them?

They say love conquers all and it is the only medicine that can help control this disease of crime and violence. Let us love one another, let us encourage our brothers and sisters instead of criticising them, and letting them feel bad about themselves. It is not what we have done in the past that counts but what we can do to make the future more peaceful.

I am, etc,

CHARLENE

Arnold Road

Kingston 4