THE EDITOR, Sir:

Throughout our existence, we meet persons who make indelible positive impacts on our lives. More than 2,000 citizens in neglected urban communities can attest to the generosity of Sameer Younis, under the auspices of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) inner-city development committee. The diligent team epitomises the essence of patriotism interwoven with a sense of commitment towards nation building.

Sameer Younis has not only captivated the spirit of our young adults to excel, but also to share their skills and talents within their communities. For this reason, family life is strengthened and citizens come to a greater understanding of responsibility toward the well-being of their members.

The project was developed as a matter of urgency in 1992 in response to the escalation of violent activities among factious groups from the communities of downtown Kingston. The committee made a pledge to foster a better relationship between the police and citizens, as well as citizens and citizens in order to improve the quality of their lives.

The JCC, in collaboration with the erstwhile Institute of Management (IMP) now the University College of the Caribbean (UCC), designed and implemented a leadership training programme for persons of inner-city communities. The committee underwrites the cost of $10,000 to train each person for a period of six weeks, held quarterly. There are usually 50 participants per quarter. Some of the major achievements of the programme are:

The preparation of the Code of Conduct for Police/Citizens Relations to govern the behaviour of the police and citizens of Jamaica;

The establishment of Community Conflict Resolution Councils (CCRC) in eight pilot communities to assist residents to peaceably resolve conflicts before they escalate;

The formation of the Inner-City Development Agency and Liaison Services (IDEALS) to assist graduates and non-members in: registering small businesses, opening bank accounts, providing information on funding agencies, among other valuable benefits.

Motivation the main aim

The main aim of the programme is to motivate leaders to take actions that will transform their communities. The participants are trained to provide effective leadership for community organisations; develop competencies in resolving conflicts peacefully in their homes, communities, and places of employment; apply appropriate parenting skills; improve the quality of their family life; identify positive entrepreneurial traits of successful business persons in their communities and apply these traits in operating their businesses; develop job-seeking skills thereby becoming more marketable for the world of work.

Perhaps the greatest benefit to Jamaica from the effort of the JCC is the drastic reduction in the murder rate within some communities and total eradication in others. The contribution of volunteers has been extremely important to the success of the programme.

Had it not been for the presence and input of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce in these communities, the lives of many residents would have been incorrigible in light of the turmoil in political rivalry and familial relationships. What is interesting about the leadership training programme is the inclusion of police officers who take the courses with the residents. Ask any of the participants what the experience was like and he or she would most likely refer to an esprit de corps. That is, indeed, a good sign.

The 45th Youth Leadership Training Programme graduation ceremony that was held two weeks ago is probably the final because there is uncertainty about the next training programme. Unfortunately, the committee's funds have dwindled and need to be resuscitated. What began as a programme to empower residents of downtown Kingston had been extended to communities of Portmore and rural St Andrew.

We earnestly encourage Jamaicans to offer their time, talent, and financial resources to strengthen the cause of the JCC inner-city development committee so that their projects can be replicated in every parish of our beautiful island. Let us show our gratitude to the members of the committee who, through their dedication, have given us something substantial on which to build. To enquire how you may participate, call 922-1773 or visit the office of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce at 85a Duke Street, Kingston.

We are, etc.,

Dr YVONNE M. BIGHT

BROOK T.A. SAMPSON (JP)