THE EDITOR, Sir:

It was Albert Einstein who once said, "Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved through understanding". Oh how we long for peace and stability in this beautiful island of ours. Peace is positive, and has to be waged with all our thought, energy, courage and with the conviction that war is not inevitable.

We cannot rely only on miraculous intervention by a religious leader, by a new political ideology, or by a scientist with a new intervention. We must now count on each other, on a sense of decency and proportion in the heart of each of us. That is the most difficult realisation, because it gives each of us responsibility.

Tension

We need to use every fibre of our being to foster peace and love. It is important to bear in mind that peace and love become remote whenever tension arises between individuals, families, neighbourhoods and communities.

1. We must understand, appreciate and respect the views of our culturally unique Jamaicans.

2. We must have a broad concern and love humanity and redirect our moral compasses for the good of the nation.

3. As a society, we must be open to experiences, ideas, questions, problems and communications.

4. We must acknowledge and accept out responsibility to preserve and protect our natural environment, urban and rural.

5. We must work, agreeing to disagree agreeably for the realisation of human rights.

6. We must develop self-discipline, self-knowledge, and self-confidence in order to be responsive to inner truths and answers for co-existing and living a peaceful, happy life.

7. We must have hope and be optimistic about our future, despite the many rivers to cross and potholes to manoeuvre.

I am, etc.,

PAUL MESSAM

Guidance Counsellor

Mona High School