THE EDITOR, Sir:

Today there are more young gunmen in Jamaica than in anytime in the history of this country. Crime and violence is so devastating in Jamaica today, and this is the opinion of people from most, if not all, of our different racial, ethical, religious and social backgrounds.

What could have brought Jamaica and its youths to this state? This question needs to be answered. Bureaucrats, from civil servants to government officials, need to leave Jamaica for this country to prosper in its international, economical, physical, national and cultural affairs.

I am 18. I left high school last year with one C.X.C. subject. Dissatisfied with myself and hoping for better, I took a step and started seeking to repeat. After I visited three technical high schools, I was accepted at none of them. One teacher said "I don't need an English teacher to pass English", when I told her I failed English because I had no English teacher throughout fifth form.

As a boy who has got this advice as a failed youngster and hasn't been able to repeat at one out of the three technical high schools which I had visited, I am only left to be influenced by crime and violence.

I am, etc.,

Patrick Clarke