The Editor, Sir:

On any given day you will find numerous articles in the newspapers that portray Jamaicans in a negative light. The truth is, Jamaicans are proud people who seek out every avenue to succeed, engage challenges and embrace love.

Crime, violence and hate are not and should not be the only things that we are known for. We have lost our fear for God, therefore, we perish in sin. One who seeks out ways to divide and destroy is evil.

Era of responsibility

United States President Barack Obama has called for 'a new era of responsibility' - a call to service for all Americans to help meet the difficult challenges of the 21st century. The time has come for the prime minister of Jamaica to make the same call. And Obama wasn't just speaking to adults. When asked why he and his wife, Michelle, included their young daughters in their volunteer efforts - helping out at a Chicago food pantry and assisting American soldiers - he replied that he wanted the girls "to learn the importance of how fortunate they are and make sure they are giving back". That's the message of family volunteering.

In a society that so often appears to reward materialism and greed, volunteering together at a homeless shelter, crisis nursery or nature preserve can be a powerful way to pass on the values of caring, compassion and social responsibility to children.

Doing volunteer projects gives family members a reason to spend quality time together, brings parents and children closer by inspiring important conversations about values, attitudes and beliefs, and allows for inter-generational connections.

When parents nurture their child's sense of compassion and commitment towards their community, they build a better world for now and the future.

I am, etc.,

EVERTON SMITH

chefsmith@coralwave.com

Nassau