Dear Sir,

I refer to the countervailing opinions on pages 4 and 5 of your newspaper of May 19, 2019. Each article expresses the interpretation of “facts” as perceived by the respective writer. This interpretation is influenced inevitably by the life experiences of the writer.

The page 5 opinion consists of a Letter to the Editor from former public-school educator Cheryl-Ann Griffin, decrying the continual, anti-black characterisation of public schools.

The page 4 opinion consists of an editorial defending the actions of The Royal Gazette in this regard.

Before I comment on my position on these two articles, I must note that, as a public-school principal, I contacted the Editor of The Royal Gazette during the 1970s, concerning the disparity in the treatment of public schools and private schools at that time. His response was that public schools were paid for by tax dollars and should be reported on regularly, while it was the responsibility of the individual-paying parent to keep a check on private schools.

I am disappointed in the editorial in that it starts off by commenting on the activities of Ms Griffin with respect to the Shelly Bay protest. I do not see how that activity has anything to do with her concern about education; rather, it appears to be an attempt to negate the validity of her letter.

The racial divide in this community must be addressed with clarity and sincerity. In my opinion, this divide has moderated over the past 50 or so years. But it is the responsibility of those in positions of influence to listen with open minds to the concerns raised on either side of this divide.

JOSEPH THEOPHILUS CHRISTOPHER

Warwick