We are all victims of the violence

THE EDITOR, Sir:

THE PRESENT violence in West Kingston can only be stopped if and when the security forces take a neutral stance and go after all perpetrators, regardless of political affiliation. Any deviation from an unbiased posture will only reveal them as tools being manipulated by political leaders.

Every Jamaican is a victim during these times, whether we live in Jamaica or overseas. Unbelievably, some of us who live in foreign countries are more emotionally and psychologically affected by this senseless division that exists in Jamaica. Our motto used to be, and perhaps still is, "Out of many, one people." Well, it seems like most of us have forgotten these all racially and ethnically encompassing words.

The high crime rate in Jamaica has held us all as hostages. Many of us yearn to come back home and make a contribution in various areas to the land we love, Jamaica. I think that it does take a lot of courage, commitment, sacrifice, and risk of one's life to leave a place of opportunity and abundance like America to return home to the unrest and political upheaval in Jamaica. I'm intent on coming back however.

Let's all adhere to our motto and live together as one. I think that Prime Minister Patterson should call for the professional help of the US Armed Forces so that many of us can come and enjoy Jamaica even for a short while.

I am etc.,

ERIC WEIR

jaheric@aol.com

Oceanside, California

Via Go-Jamaica

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