THE EDITOR, Sir:
YOUR ISSUE of Saturday June 19 carries on its Leader Page a letter from Andre Annakie of Arnett Gardens. The title was: 'I can see now that the book is better than the gun a teenager who learned to read'.
I read this letter. I am now convinced that letters like this are a 'must read' for every Jamaican who is appalled by the level of crime in this our fair land. For sometime now myself and some of my friends have grappled with this monster of crime and what we can do about it.
On the same day the letter was published I met with some of my friends and we have formulated a small plan that we believe can mushroom and grow into something positive mainly in response to young Andre Annakie.
Keith Gardner, the co-ordinator of Sports at the Multicare Foundation, has informed me that there is a camp being planned from the July 18 to August 16 for some 200 boys from the Breezy Castle area. This camp will be held in the country and will involve skills training (comprising team work, interpersonal skills, personal hygiene, self-esteem, respect for others, responsibility, discipline etc.) all the sports fundamentals which are the key points of the Multicare Foundation. Part of the cost would be $1,000 per boy to attend this camp.
When one considers the cost of putting on this programme one readily concedes the importance of volunteerism and gifts, which brings me to the point that whenever these types of programmes need funding it is the same corporate bodies who do the work every time. I'm talking now of Grace, Kennedy, Michael Lee Chin and the NCB Group, the Cable and Wireless Group, the ICD Group etc., etc.
Myself and Keith Binns (that famous insurance giant) have decided that we would collect from 40 Jamaicans, $5,000 each in the form of a cheque, made payable to the Multicare Foundation. On calling myself or Keith at the following numbers 995-5792, 969-7284 we will promise to pick up the cheque and have them delivered to Mr. Gardner for use in this important camp.
As I said earlier this is just a small step in response to young Andre Annakie. I've chosen to do it this way to involve as many Jamaicans as possible who will assist from their pockets while recognising the yeoman service of the other corporate bodies who usually respond in tangible ways.
We look forward to more than 40 phone calls.
I am, etc.,
DR. PAUL WRIGHT
14 Spanish Court
New Kingston
