THE EDITOR, Sir:

I RESPECT the novel proposal of a parental licence as an innovative and potentially very effective idea. The new Security Minister Trevor MacMillan has indicated his will to pursue social intervention to reduce crime - this is an avenue worth pursuing.

It is clear that nearly every social problem Jamaican society now faces can be traced back to irresponsible, incapable or non-existent parenting. The immediate answer lies not in a legal licence, per se, but in the legalisation of abortion.

Here, the authorities can allow legal abortions for women who know that they will not be able to take care of any children they produce. There is no social alternative which would have a big chance of guaranteeing the rearing of a positive contributor to Jamaican society.

Keeping social care easy

Also to be considered is legislation which defines lifestyles and traits that depart from a 'responsible parent' model. If someone who departs from the responsible-parent model becomes pregnant, then they are automatically short-listed for abortion, or are required to sign away their rights to the child once it is born, providing there is a family in waiting to receive the child. This way, the social care system is not overburdened and remains effective.

Some will say it's reprehensible, I'm sure, but look at the life of the average gunman who contributes nothing to society except more potential gunmen and gunman-mothers, and takes everything else away, including many promising lives.

Desperate times call for desperate measures.

I am, etc.,

'Sensible Jamaican'

sensiblejamaican@googlemail.com