Dear Editor,

It would be an absolute waste if the shutdown of Kingston over the last few days and the scenes of Kingston as a war zone on the international media did not manifest in a rebirth of values and standards for every Jamaican.

It is the perfect time to redefine the value of this society and it must start immediately.

To this end, I recommend the following:

* That the minister of education ensure that starting from the basic schools children are taught the National Pledge, to practise basic courtesies like “Thank you”, “Please”, “Yes, Sir”, “No Ma’am” and “Excuse me”. These simple courtesies are no longer commonplace in our society and must therefore be mandatory.

* That entertainers be consulted by civic groups, the minister of culture and all other relevant parties to redefine their lyrics and be given incentives to rebrand their message. Music is perhaps the greatest influence on the society, it cannot be ignored. It is perhaps the most powerful medium that exists to influence and reshape behaviours in the shortest time.

* That the road laws are enforced and that police officers will ensure that buses and taxis operate within the laws and will no longer turn a blind eye to traffic offenders.

* That the gaps filled by dons and area leaders are met by the state and no vacuum is left to be filled by dons.

* That all zinc fences be torn down immediately and full access be allowed to these communities without fear of attacks.

* That all MPs who represent garrison communities voluntarily give up their seats and allow representation to be sought by fresh candidates.

* That all members of the police force be given a polygraph test to show that they can uphold law and order in a civilised society.

* That the justice system be improved immediately to mete out justice and punishment to those who believe there are no laws to govern them.

* That the National Housing Trust contributions be temporarily suspended without penalties for applicants allowing access to housing loans to all qualified applicants, whether you are a contributor or not. After all, these loans comes at a cost, even if a fixed rate has to be applied across the board.

* That compulsory NHT contributions by employers be now shifted to a new tax to be called “The Eradication of Garrison and Upliftment of Inner Cities”.

The price has been paid for a rebirth, let us see how serious we are as a nation to redefine and rebrand Jamaica.

Faye E Jacobs

Faye_jacobs22@msn.com