Dear Editor,

Mr Lorri Alexander's contribution [ please note: link provided by LOSP web site ] (3.l.2002) must be complimented. In his inimitable way, he has addressed the question of corporal punishment in schools from a very pragmatic perspective.I have always said that today's educators, particularly those who pattern their psyche and therefore their approach to education after the North American system. are posturing and giving excuses for not dealing with the real issue, to find the most effective way to reinforce learning in the formative years of a child's education.The most effective stimulus, as time has so glaringly shown, is sensible use of corporal punishment tempered with appropriate measures of recognition and reward.

In my last letter entitled "We have thrown away the baby with the bath water", I argued that we have to accept where we have erred in national life.

When we recognise that even the product coming out of UG is substandard, it screams for urgent attention to reconstruct our education system now. Re-employ retired teachers, pay qualified and productive teachers by results, and get rid of those who do not wish to work conscientiously. In essence restore Guyana to being the most literate country in the Caribbean.