THE EDITOR, Sir:GROWING UP in the inner city is not easy and it seems the task has been made even more difficult by the upsurge of crime and violence in these areas (as if the youngsters don't have enough to deal with.) Youngsters in these communities often carry the emotional baggage of their parents' failure and quite often repeat their mistakes. The number of pregnant teens in these communities is a vivid example as well as the number of youth aged 10-15 on the streets.
However, this is no news to Jamaica since this is what these communities are often known for. "Nothing good can come from that place" is a term I am only too familiar with. However there are always two sides to a story, and our side is the one least told.
The truth is we are survivors and it is ample time that Jamaicans outside these areas recognise that. Since no ordinary youngster can live in an environment crippled by crime and violence, illiteracy and hopelessness and still achieve eight subjects, no ordinary youngster can live in an environment surrounded by a generation with a 'crab in a barrel mentality' and jungle justice system and still attend the University of the West Indies yet contrary to society's belief we do achieve. It is ample time that the rest of the Jamaican society believe that good things can come from us because we believe it.
During this time, while we are faced with another challenge we implore the rest of Jamaica to recognise that we are no doubt handicapped by the minority that choose crime and violence as their way out but like the Para-lympians we have the courage and strength to go for gold.
So don't decide our fate or our destiny because of the pictures of a deadbeat, ignorant, criminal community, painted by society in our minds. Instead help us make our own masterpiece by giving us just one more chance!
I am, etc.,
KAVELLE HYLTON
Generation W.H.Y.
Davidson Crescent,
Kingston 20
