Of course, the religionists and spiritualists over the ages have been engulfed in this issue, articulating, propagating and implementing their interpretations and standards of morality in society, especially in the days when religion held both a political and social clout.

In the post industrial/modern age, the debates and concerns on the issue of morality have continued globally, because it seems that moral standards have dramatically declined everywhere, even among the religious establishments.

The recent exposes on the highly immoral conduct of some members of the Catholic hierarchy have been mind boggling.

The once widely held view that morality is synonymous with religion is certainly not totally true anymore.

Therefore, the real causes of moral decay have to be revisited and appropriate solutions urgently found or else there is a possibility of a disintegration of civilised society into anarchy and chaos.

Already in many parts of the world the situation has degenerated into near anarchy and chaos and the indications and signals in many societies are ominous.

One of the burning questions that pop up in relation to the issue of declining moral standards has been: `Is the pursuit of material accumulation and gratification in a seemingly ravenous way responsible for the decline in morality?'

Of course, studies have shown that there is a positive correlation between the two. But on the other hand many will contend that the pursuit of materialism is essential for the scientific, technological and economic advancement and transformation of society.

Perhaps, it is not the pursuit of materialism in itself that is responsible for the moral breakdown, but the manner in which it is pursued, and the grossly uneven distribution of the material wealth produced in the process.

In the former case, the corrupt and irregular means by which some seek to enrich themselves, and in many instances, instead of being reprimanded they are treated or seen as "heroes" is becoming increasingly frequent.

This definitely sets the wrong example, so others say if he or she could do it then I should do it too. In the process morality is compromised and subverted.

In the latter case the uneven distribution of wealth breeds abject poverty which in turn is a fertile breeding ground for anti-social activities.

But, whatever the pros and cons of the issue, it is an indisputable fact that for the continued harmonious development of society the preservation of its moral fibre must not be compromised.

Therefore, the battle against a breakdown in morality has to become a universal and collective one, and the task must not be left only upon a particular segment of society.

In Guyana it has been widely acknowledged that there is definitely a downturn in morality, which no doubt has been contributing significantly to the increased state of lawlessness and criminal terrorist activities and other social evils being daily executed.

In this regard, the Ministry of Education must be commended for taking steps to implement moral studies in the school curriculum, and to this effect an authority on the subject, Dr. Nat Cooper, has been recruited to assist in the formulation of an appropriate programme.

But the battle has to be on all fronts, especially at the most important level - the family unit which has the earliest and lifelong influence on the development of the child.