THE EDITOR, Sir:

Let me first say I am an avid reader/fan of Ian Boyne's columns and I buy The Sunday Gleaner every week to eagerly read his commentary.

In Jamaica, where I reside, education is seen as the 'key to success', and possibly the only means to elevate oneself from poverty - and we have been socialised as such!

I agree that the purpose of education is misguided, and that "a democratic, pluralistic society demands an educated citizenry, not just one technically competent," as Boyne wrote in his column titled 'What's an education for?', published Sunday, October 7, 2012.

However, creation of a virtuous society and the development of character will come second to developing persons for the market. In other words, poverty will make us blind to the bigger picture and the accumulation of wealth will take precedence over the desire to be 'good citizens'.

A.D. MCBEAN

mcbeanad@gmail.com