EDITOR: Vandalism is quite common in this blessed land of ours. This practice is done in many government institutions across this nation. Maybe there is none more so than the schools.

It is time that we, as Vincentians, recognize the importance of taking care of what we have. After all, the cost of repairing and replacing can have an effect on us, in that it takes a lot from the Treasury and in effect is setting back other things that need to be done.

I know that it is costly, but it would be nice to have surveillance cameras in these institutions, including the schools and so the persons who vandalize and deface the property would be seen and ought to be dealt with severely.

During the day, especially at schools, the teachers ought to be more vigilant and the students made to pay for damaged furniture and defacing of property. Also the watchmen have a responsibility to ensure that these institutions are protected. So, these security personnel ought to be more vigilant.

Finally, I would like to make an appeal to us, as Vincentians, to take pride in whatever we have. The schools and other government buildings belong to all of us. Let us treat them with respect. At the end of the day the cost of repairs and replacement is on our shoulders in the form of taxes, etc.

Let us be mature and responsible. Also, the heads of these institutions need to be more vigilant, ensuring that the properties are not vandalized or defaced.

Kennard King