I find it deplorable that with many of our children already demonstrating tendencies to immorality, that flyers are being distributed in schools by persons inviting our nation's children to after-school jam sessions declaring: 'Uniforms Allowed, Uniforms Allowed' and special free admission for those who turn up between specified hours 'in uniform'.

This will further erode the ability of our nation's children to think positively, as this is where they will be negatively influenced in doing what they want to do, whenever they want to. It will further take the nation into a situation where we'll have more gangs, disrespect, unwanted teenage pregnancies and loss of direction for our youths.

Sherene Fraser, Spanish Town

Mentorship for men

It is well known that the population of men in prisons is greater than that of women. Elsewhere, many more men can be found insane in our popular towns or on the street corners puffing at their big-head cigars. I am tired of these big men calling me 'father' and blatantly demanding how much they need to do whatever.

No disrespect to our women, but it seems that our men have thrown in the towel and have given the seat of leadership to women. It is ironic that while the men ruled, the women stayed home and assisted greatly in making the house a home; but the tables have turned and our men are busy idling.

Our men need mentors who will stem the spate of crime and violence, reduce their presence in the prisons, increase matriculation in our colleges and universities, and affirm greater leadership responsibilities. Please, let us revive this local mentorship programme.

Everton Tyndale

evat 78@hotmail.com

Road nightmare

I am writing this letter to express my anger and disgust at the bad roads in my community. Time and time again, residents of various communities have voiced their concerns over such problems via the media, and most times, nothing is done.

I hope this will change. I live in Fairview Park, St Catherine. For more than 10 years, the roads have been in an awful state. The MP for the area is Dr Kenneth Baugh, deputy prime minister. I wonder, when last has he visited the area? I know I have never seen him.

Our roads are mere dirt tracks and I am not voting until the roads in my community are fixed.

Deveane Roberts, queendroberts@yahoo.com