Yvonne Griffith, florist: 'If I were that man's neighbour I would have reported him. I would have first gone to the parent and asked what is going on and depending on the reaction I get I would go to the Police. I would have known that something was wrong just by looking at their behaviour. Some children may come and discuss the problem with you if they are brave enough. I don't believe in beating children, I prefer to scold them or use other forms of punishment, like no television or cancelling a trip that the child was to go on. There are different ways. I got licks as a child and for that I am glad today. But the licks that I got was nothing like what those four children went through.'

Rita, legal secretary: 'When you talk to the parents they would say that the children 'is they own'. I feel that the best thing is to go to the police. They are children and they are innocent. Parents should not beat children in that manner. We used to get licks but not in that manner. If parents have to punish their children they could ban them from watching television or give them school work to do.'

Naz, housewife: I would have called the police if I had seen what he was doing to the children. It was very good that the teacher raised the alarm. I am of the opinion that there should be more watchdog organisations for children.'

Debbie Peters, typist/ clerk: 'Whether or not I approach the parent depends on the relationship that you and the individual have. Or you can ask a member of the community to intervene and find out what the problem is. How could a parent be so cruel to his or her offspring? What could that child have done? I believe that for certain things you can beat a child and for other things you have to talk to them or take away the things that they love.'

Archibald Appiah, retired waterfront worker: 'The man had no right to do that. You can't beat children like that. You will drive fear into them and they will hate you.'

Elaine, housewife/social activist: 'They are saying that he did it more than once. Why is it that the mother did not report it? I don't think that we have justice in this country. Men are getting away with a lot of nonsense. Guyana has nothing to offer for the protection of children. I would have reported that man to the police.'

Philbert Loncke, technician: 'I say that parents should be more considerate with their children. I am not against beating a child, but there is a limit.'

Anand Persaud, customs broker: 'People shouldn't beat children like that. If you don't like them don't make them. You don't make children and then brutalise them. You make them to carry on your generation. That is why children turn out badly. If you can't treat you own children good, who is going to do it for you? If I had lived next door to that man I would have reported the matter to the police and even rescued the children if possible. I have two sons and I don't beat or insult them.'

Ryan Gulliver, construction worker: 'If I had known of the situation I would have reported the matter to the police or the welfare services. I would have tried also to speak to the parents. Sometimes the most that you can do is keep out and have the authorities resolve the matter.'

Pooran Datt, pharmacist: People can't be beating children like that. One or two lashes would be ok. You wouldn't even beat an animal like that. He has put permanent scars on those children and they might not want to show themselves to others. They will also have mental scars. I would have gone to the home and investigate and make a report to the relevant authority.'