The Editor, Sir:

The Jamaica Association of Guidance Counsellors in Education applauds the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica on banning from the airwaves, certain songs with sexually explicit lyrics.

The association wishes to encourage all those supporting this move, and endorses suggestions coming from the Office of the Children's Advocate for this ban to be extended to other genres of music.

For too long the nation has suffered at the hands of irresponsible and self-seeking individuals who, for the lucrative financial gains to themselves, continue to parade the vulgar lyrics in the name of music. This move by the commission is welcomed, especially at this time, when the Ministry of Education and the institutions of learning are grappling with the immoral behaviour of many schoolchildren.

While the association acknow-ledges that the behavioural issues are not just about the lyrical contents of some songs, the power of the music and its negative psychological impact cannot any longer be ignored.

Unfortunate response

It is rather unfortunate that the responses coming from some members of the music fraternity are suggesting that this move is hypocritical.

Guidance counsellors are confronted with the problems daily in their interactions with school-children, and are happy to know that something more is being done to once again re-establish moral boundaries.

As a people, we must all be concerned and take responsibility to provide children with positive role models.

I am, etc.,

JENIFFER WILLIE

jwillcounsellor@hotmail.com

Linstead P.O.

St Catherine