Dear Editor,

Motivated entirely by a genuine concern for the well being of every citizen, the audiologist of the Georgetown hospital has been pointing out the health hazards of loud music; thus echoing the appeal of the Guyana Consumers' Association for sanction against the perpetrators of the noise nuisance that has, for some considerable time now, been plaguing our society.

For some reason, successive administrations have, until now, either turned a deaf ear to these pleadings, or have made only half-hearted and so far unsuccessful attempts to arrest this menace.

Consequently, as can be deduced from the scientific findings of psychologist, a copy of which is attached hereto, we are now reaping ample rewards of this neglect.

For not only are impaired hearing and an idle or negative mindset bedevilling the performance of many of the students. but also the alarmingly high rate of suicide and violent crimes, as well as our very high auto accident rate can be attributed to our failure to nip in the bud this manifestation of recklessness.

This neglect has caused many to be so inured to the harsh noise that the selfish have been using cassettes with vulgar lyrics to poison the minds of the vulnerable young generation in order to set the stage for their own wicked gratification.

As obtains in Trinidad, only small radio sets should be allowed in public transport. For those long distance travellers 98.l Hot FM is a gift whose services are adequate and should be fully utilised.

Thanks to our present Minister of Health for his own bold, positive, laudable efforts aimed at banning smoking in public places. More hazardous, and life threatening is smoking in public transport by commuter, driver or conductor, for the substance being smoked may very well be a narcotic.

Driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages, as well as excessive speeding are evils which must also be eliminated. It is not unusual for some drivers to have their speedometers reading 80 to l00 miles per hour on short distances, eve around the city of Georgetown.

But the correction of all these evils should be spearheaded, not only by the Ministry of Home Affairs; but the Ministry of Education, mindful of its responsibility for moulding the nation, must be actively involved.

It is unfortunate that the private bus company whose operation was beginning to being sanity to the road transport system was not given every assistance and encouragement to continue its tangible contribution.

Our nation is now at the cross roads. The smell of moral decay hangs over us. And unless through education, and the use of every legitimate means at our disposal we make a concerted effort to stamp out undiscipline whenever and as soon as it ears its ugly head, anarchy will result to the bitter disappointment of each and every member of our society.