Silver Pen Award recipient, Michael Spence, accepts his plaque from Gleaner Editor-in-Chief Garfield Grandison at the newspaper's North Street, central Kingston, offices on Thursday.

His love for writing was never for the reward, but his expressive opinions as published in the editorial section of The Gleaner have gained him recognition, earning him numerous Letters of the Day, and ultimately a Silver Pen Award.

Michael Spence on Thursday received the Silver Pen Award for his letter, 'Mandatory military training is short-term thinking', which appeared in the October 9, 2007 publication of The Gleaner.

In his letter to the editor, Spence was reacting to Pastor Glen Samuels call for mandatory military training for young males. He argued that such thinking was flawed and that, if mandatory military training was implemented, it could have long-term devastating effects for a free society.

Experiences

Spence also talked about his experiences in the army and compared it to his experiences in teaching, surmising that mandatory military training is not suited for the development of a capitalist society.

"Education is the key, not military training," he said after receiving his award.

Spence said "people need to be free thinking and innovative individuals".

He added: "Military training cannot make people disciplined, it is something that comes from within, people have to be motivated."

He said discipline would be best achieved for the long term if the environment is created to enhance behaviour.

Spence, in his letter, said he understood the pastor's frustration, but that military training was not the answer.

"Mandatory military training will only prepare young minds for either slavery or a dictatorial regime," he said.

He also noted that as the society attempts to decrease criminality, military training could instead push young people to become 'soldiers of fortune'.

"We must remind ourselves, a soldier is primarily trained to kill," he noted.