A few weeks ago this space gave me the opportunity to reflect on the good old days, under the headline ‘The hurrieder we go the behinder we get’.

Today, I am privileged to be allowed to finish my say. We are becoming a decaying society with the erosion of those morals, values and attitudes which formerly allowed us to boast of the proud people we once were.

Even though parents are getting younger, they should be made accountable and held responsible for the proper nurturing of their children. The church and the government have a role to play as well. I wonder, how many children attend Sunday school these days?

Millions of dollars are spent to smooth things over after violent incidents occur at schools. It is money that would be better spent on prevention, possibly to increase teachers’ salaries to enable them to spend less time hustling so as to make ends meet, allowing for more quality time with students. It is money that could also go towards improving the physical condition of many schools, which are lacking in certain basic facilities.

I remember when students were streamed and their abilities, capabilities and passions identified. By third form, we knew the direction we were going and focused on that path.

So there were high schools and technical schools, which, to my mind, served their purposes well. But then came “all high schools”, which to me seemed hypocritical. If not, then why make a distinction between “traditional” high schools and “new” high schools?

Now to my surprise, there is talk once again about streaming students. It would appear the old system worked. If something works, stick with it; don’t go changing to pattern some other country. Let us be the role models for our children and other countries to follow.

The government must also see to the law, ensuring that it moves with the time. At the same time, the law must have teeth, ensuring that people who commit crimes against children are made to pay heavily for their actions. The rights of children must be protected at all costs, at all times.

I will take my chances and risk abuse, as I have encountered for correcting a child. I will continue to tell them to say good afternoon when they step into a room and see others. I’ll say ‘good morning’ when they pass me by, and I will still chide them for their unruly behaviour on the street.

I believe the village should still assist in raising children. How can we turn our heads and look the other way? To me, the children of the village reflect who we are. So, who are we?

Grace Lee is the president of the Negril Chamber of Commerce.