Dear Editor,
I always appreciate the feedback from Russell A. Simmons whenever he feels the need to comment on any of my articles that I’ve submitted in the opinion section of The Daily Herald. In this particular instance, his reaction on Thursday, February 27, 2025, stemmed from my article that was printed the day before. His viewpoint has prompted me to extend my thoughts; some of which will align fully with his inspections, while a few may differ, just slightly.
From the onset, he stated that persons who criticized the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication for not providing a race track for the bikers must arrange a meeting with the police and other stakeholders in order to discuss the consequences of their behaviour. I’m sorry that I missed his article with the recommendations that pertain to this pressing matter.
I’m in total agreement with his elucidations regarding the proper upbringing of children. Yes, children model what they see, although some adults deny this fact. It is quite alarming to see how so many households are being managed by one parent, whether the situation occurred because of death or complete negligence of sperm donors, who continue to get away because government has accepted their behaviour.
It is shameful and darn right appalling to know that government rather compensates the mothers with a monthly stipend, while fathers get away scot-free. This is the major breakdown of the family and the collapse of society. When a government refuses to hold fathers responsible for their role in the upbringing of children, then how does it expect to nurture and produce a dynamic and progressive society where its children can only aspire to achieve excellence?
It’s time that government devises a system to hold fathers responsible for the raising of their children, not just financially, but socially and emotionally as well. Here is where the Ministries of Finance, Justice, Education and Social Affairs need to collaborate, to change the direction of the society. Mothers should not be relying solely on government for child support, while the fathers are healthy and working.
Having said that, I am in partial agreement with his view that the behaviour of our youth stems from the lack of biblical knowledge. Yes, Proverbs 1:7 states that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge…” Psalm 110:10 and a few other books echo the same sentiment, with relation to establishing the foundation for acquiring wisdom.
I do not object to biblical teachings in schools. I just don’t believe that its absence has led to the irresponsible behaviour of our youth. I truly believe that the foundation of any behaviour is engraved in the home environment. Case in point: Who are the very first teachers? The parents, of course. I see children and adults use profanity directly at or in the presence of their parents, and for the life of me, it is frightening.
I would rather run away before I be disrespectful to my parents. Where did I learn that behaviour? At home, of course, because respect for people and property was demonstrated to me and my siblings. I first learned about the bible at home, so it’s not necessarily true that the absence of the bible in school causes the unacceptable behaviour of the youth. My understanding is that schools or any other organization are there to build on the foundation that was established at home.
Yes, as you rightfully said, spare the rod and spoil the child would lead to some of the unwanted behaviours of our youngsters. This sparing of the rod boils down to the proper discipline not being instilled, as stated from the very beginning, which does not have to include spanking. I was chastised, yes; but licks was never a part of my upbringing at home.
To wrap up, he touched on the importance of going to church and Sunday school. Yes, Sunday school is vital. It is the place where children learn a great deal about the bible. But for me, the church has lost its significance in society, simply because most preachers are not teaching God’s word anymore. Instead, they are accommodating the desires of their congregation.
To be continued, as space won’t allow me to elaborate.
Joslyn Morton
