Minibus 'culture' of recklessness

THE EDITOR, Sir:

The sad events of September 25 when, yet again, Holmwood students were the unfortunate victims of the rampant social disorder in our society and the ineffectiveness of our law enforcement, have been highlighted by strong statements and calls to action by the minister of education, the MP for North Western Manchester, and other prominent personalities.

The contribution by Dr Mark Nicely, president of the JTA, in your September 26 edition was of particular importance.He identified as someone who had grown up in the early days of what has become an increasingly unregulated minibus service 'culture' - frequent reckless road usage, overcrowding, loud and vulgar music, dark, tinted windows, with untrained and undisciplined 'drivas' and 'ductas'.

Role reversed

Dr Nicely then offered the perspective of a teacher, now a high-school principal, who has had to contend with students who, sent to school to be trained to become productive and socially-responsible citizens, are exposed to the powerfully presented counter-culture of much that happens on the daily minibus ride. He attests to the reality of teachers consciously having to calm down emotionally aroused youngsters before they can be effectively reoriented to focus on their classroom lessons.

What kind of a society have we become? For how long are we to allow the free rein of those who, in the name of entertainment and an all-too-loose interpretation of the right to freedom of expression, ignore the consequences of how their 'output' affects the most vulnerable youth who make up a large proportion of their audience?

It is not enough for a Broadcasting Commission to ensure that the electronic media are safeguarded against the most distasteful of the morally offensive or violence-promoting lyrics. when sound systems, both in the open and in enclosed spaces - including public transport - are allowed to peddle their ware to all and sundry.

How can all the efforts of the schools, churches and other civic and community groups to promote positive values and attitudes ever prevail?

Yes, there are laws and regulations intended to address many of these abuses, but sadly, they have for far too long been more honoured in the breach than in the observance. Traffic chief, Senior Superintendent Lewis, has just made some very strong pronouncements about the police moving to enforce these measures, and we shall see whether there can be a sustained change.

There is, however, need for our legislatorsto broaden the attack and provide for meaningful penalties for those who utter in music, messages deemed offensive to public morality and/or what could be regarded as showing criminal intent.

Unless we have radical transformation to complement the economic underpinnings of any programmes for advancement, it may be seriously questioned whether the much-acclaimed mission for Jamaica by 2030 will not become more a myth than a reality!

JOHN MAXWELL

jmxwll@gmail.com