Dear Editor,

Jamaican criminologist Dr Jason McKay recently suggested in an interview with a popular daily newspaper that the majority of our gunmen are unemployable because they are either not functionally literate or do not care to be employed.

This is a sad truth on the negative impact of illiteracy on our society

To witness a grown person transition from having been illiterate to becoming fully literate is like witnessing a miracle. One such young man learnt how to read from Bible study sessions and attending his community church every Sabbath. There might be a lack of appreciation of the means by which this fellow gained his literacy, but with an expert’s guidance, if we were to juxtapose literacy with any other important or healthy ability or habit, then we would realise that the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of having such an ability or habit is just as important as having it.

This formerly illiterate young man used to sell produce in the local market and was, therefore, quite sharp with his numbers. Not that attaining numeracy is inherently more important or easier than becoming literate, or vice versa, but numeracy, especially if exercised constantly, grants its holder the power to make prudent and timely decisions.

Dr McKay would probably find that the numeracy rates and competency in such is even more dismal among gunmen and other destructive players (to others and self) in our society. Opposition Leader Mark Golding best take note and target the numbers more so than the letters.

We are not to presume that the relationship between illiteracy and gun-toting is one of cause and effect, neither are we to write off those who have descended into a life of crime and violence as being irredeemable and blameable. Unfortunately, many of our gunmen have become so because of self-fulfilling prophecies brought about by their interactions with cruel loved ones, associates, and the society at large.

Andre O Sheppy

St James

astrangely@outlook.com