The Editor, Sir:

I disagree with the editorial concerning Sara Lawrence and leaving it alone. As a 26-year-old, I believe that her situation should be used as an example for other young people. In her role as Miss Jamaica World, she was a role model, and so, to not use her as such now would be hypocritical.

In this case, however, she would be a role model of what NOT to do. Teen pregnancy and pregnancy out of wedlock is simply too high in Jamaica (and other parts of the world too) and everything that can be done to curb this should be done.

It does not help that she was a spokesperson for safe sex. Yes, people make mistakes, but allowing others to learn from those mistakes is more important. I take no issue with abortion vs. no abortion and commend her for relinguishing the crown voluntarily, but I also think that she can continue to be a spokesperson for safe sex, now using her experience as an example of hardships one can face because of this.

We need to send a clear message that getting pregnant is a bigger deal when young and unmarried and I don't see that message enough in our media.

I am, etc.,

D. MULLINGS

david.mullings@gmail.com

Via Go-Jamaica