The Editor, Sir:

I am truly distressed as I note with alarm the continuing deterioration of our society as it declines into one seemingly bereft of civility. This trend is particularly noticeable in our youth from both the privileged and so-called depressed sectors of our society.

Civility has been described as the "lubricant that keeps society running smoothly" and in our Jamaican state its lack is manifest in the widespread flouting of the laws enacted for our protection, the lack of discipline and courtesy so often displayed in public places, the disregard for road traffic laws, particularly by robot taxi drivers who endanger the lives of not only themselves, but also those of other road users. Indeed, as we become less civil in our everyday relationships, our society tends to become a less civilised one.

There are many factors contributing to this, but I want to mention the private sector, particularly big business, as being as much to blame as any other. My impression as I watch the television is that this sector seems to cater almost without exception to the lowest common denominator of our society. Note for instance the advertisements displayed on television which seem for the most part unacceptable. Their support for arts and cultural offerings that would tend to uplift our people is minimal in comparison to the support given to sports; and while I laud them for giving this support and congratulate the sporting organisations that have merited receipt of this largesse, I cannot but feel jealous that support for the arts seems so inadequate.

We need to develop young people who are well-rounded, physically, spiritually and culturally, and while I must concede that sport does a wonderful job in promoting physical fitness, character building and the fostering of team spirit, surely our youth need more than sport if they are to become fully rounded citizens. They need also to be exposed to the civilising influences of every aspect of the arts in all its forms - music, drama, dance, creative and fine arts - and be given the opportunity and guidance to participate in these many aspects of cultural expression. It has been said that in developing a well-balanced mind, the humanising influence of the arts is one of the most positive forces.

Envious

Regrettably, apart from the Corporate Area of Kingston, St Andrew facilitates what would provide the opportunity for our youth to be exposed to these influences that are severely limited or lacking in the rest of the island and, as a result, the talent that is so often manifested in our youth when given an opportunity is wasted. There are hardly any facilities to support the efforts that have been made by some well-intentioned person, and here again I must say how envious I am that all that exist are located in the Corporate Area.

I implore the private sector and other well-meaning citizens to give more support to things cultural and make the distribution of your support more equitable. I do sincerely feel that as our youth become more exposed to the softening influence of the arts, the widespread crime and violence which is so damaging to our nation will be appreciably reduced.

I am, etc.,

Dr JOHN E. MCDOWELL

PO Box 31

Oho Rios

St Ann