The Editor, Sir:

There has been a lot going on in the society over the last few weeks. Among them, the trium-phant return of our athletes from Beijing and the race for the presidency of the PNP have consumed our attention.

One very significant event which occurred during that time, and which should not be overlooked, is the rescue of the security guards in the Grants Pen gully during the recent heavy rains.

The young men who risked their lives to save the security guards related how they used many ingenious methods (including using a belt from their waist to throw out to one of the embattled men), along with solid teamwork, allowing them to be pulled from the raging water.

Saving the men's lives was the most significant thing that happened, but it was extremely important to me - and I am sure many others - that the young men acknowledged that they saw a lot of money in the vehicle but that they were not interested in it because the lives of the men were what they were concerned about.

These young heroes were very noble. They held up the Grants Pen community in the highest esteem.

Model for community

They helped to erase from the minds of many persons in the society that the community is a 'bad' one. I salute them for their sterling performance.

I hope that the men will be recognised at the next national awards ceremony for their bravery and community spirit. They should be held up in their community and nationally as models for other young people to emulate. They are true heroes.

I am, etc.,

SHAWN JOHNSON

jamaicanshawn@yahoo.com