The beginning of Child's Month was acknowledged islandwide in church services and with the laying of flowers at the Secret Gardens Shrine on Church Street. As a mother of three boys, I , too, mourn the loss of those children whose names are etched into the monument (and those whose names are not).

On the other hand, I turn my focus to those children who are alive and at present face grave danger of having their lives snuffed out by the ills of society. By children, I mean those under the age of 18. Daily, we call upon our children, especially our teenagers, to act their age, yet they are not being given the opportunity or guidance to do so.

Treat children fairly

Why do we treat children over the age of 12 or those who 'look big' as if they are adults? Fees for so-called family events, gospel concerts and our government transportation system treat children who fit the 'look big' profile as if they are adults by charging them as adults. Children are even allowed to access adult entertainment facilities. Why then should we expect them to act different from how they are treated?

With the continued breakdown in our socio-economic factors today, our children often emulate negative 'peers' and 'role models'. This, more often than not, turns out tragically as it is proven our children made the wrong choice. I am, therefore, calling on our lawmakers, regulators, security forces, advocacy groups and individuals to uphold the law and do what is right. Turn over a new leaf. Until a child turns 18, treat him/her like a child. Charge them according to their ages and not their sizes or behaviour. Do not let greed (one of our societal ills) navigate our actions.

In short, let us reclaim our country and our children - our future.

I am, etc.,

SUZETTE A. THOMPSON

suett29@yahoo.com

Kingston 16