DEAR CHRISTINE: ‘Licking our kids never hurt anyone’

Dear Christine,

A BLESSED and prosperous New Year.

There has been a lot of talk recently about whether children should continue to be “whipped” at school. Let me say that I agree with ex-principal Matthew Farley 100 per cent when he said that sharing lashes at school should remain. To take whipping, or whatever we choose to call it, out of our schools would be to give students a passport to total disrespect of not only their teachers, but all that our forefathers and this country hold dear to our children’s development.

Licking children within our schools never hurt anyone. It certainly made me into a better individual, one who to this day has respect for my teachers, elders, those in positions of authority, along with respect for the laws of the land.

I believe that Barbados was built on moral values which were handed down by our foreparents. They depended on the Bible to guide them. Doesn’t our National Anthem say, “The Lord has been the people’s guide for past 300 years?”

Permit me therefore to share some biblical truths and teachings. According to Proverbs 13:24, when we spare the rod, we spoil the child. Proverbs 23:13-14 also states: “Withhold not correction from a child, for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shall beat him with the rod and shall deliver his soul from hell.”

Proverbs 5:10 also says: “Correction is grievous to him that forsaketh the way; and he that hateth reproof shall die.” Also permit me to make mention of Proverbs 19:18: “Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.”

As Farley stated, we cannot allow ourselves to be dictated to by the lifestyle and culture of those in the Western world.

Christine, I hope that Farley will keep holding the lights of discipline, morality and correctness in our society. I am with him 100 per cent of the way.

– C.C.

Dear C.C.,

I agree with you and Matthew Farley 100 per cent as well. In fact, I like the way you put it: “Licking children within our schools never hurt anyone.”

Well said!

– CHRISTINE