THE EDITOR, Sir:
IN A country with so many people under 18, - how many of these can we look at and see the "innocence of youth"?
We see little ones who can't be more than five of six years old taking littler ones through uncaring traffic, on their way to school.
There are youngsters looking about eight or 10 years old who are not going to school. They are hustling a living; often gambling away that collection at the very traffic lights where they are stationed.
There are many who have the responsibility to get younger brothers and sisters fed and dressed before they can go out in the mornings to fend for themselves.
Pictures of demonstrations show babes in arms as participants and show crime scenes with them as onlookers often witnessing close family, or family friends, whom they have not yet had a chance to really get to know.
By the age of 18 if they survive to see it these young people have become another generation of tough survivors.
How many have been nurtured as children, allowed to grow gradually into adults who will in turn pass on to their children the value of looking out for, and caring about others who in their turn should be enjoying their childhood?
As May is 'Child Month' one wonders how many of our youngsters have the luxury during their childhood of being able to be just children.
I am, etc.,
JENNIFER ROWE
Kingston 10
