Quick response team needed to tackle Jamaican terrorists

THE EDITOR, Sir:

SEVERAL PEOPLE are raped and murdered in the course of a one hour spree of terrorist violence. Our two political parties can think of nothing more useful than to point fingers of blame at each other.

It seems to me however that questions arise as to the state of readiness of our security forces. The incident occurred five minutes as the crow flies, from Up Park Camp and nearer still to a small police station. Was the failure to challenge successfully these murderers, who also had time to paint the community in red, due to insensitivity, unpreparedness or worse, complicity?

I do not know, however, I repeat my suggestion that a Rapid Response Unit, manned and led by the military, be formed with the capability to respond at any time to calls for assistance from the local constabulary and to do so effectively by land, sea, or air within 15 minutes.

It is time the police be returned to policing. When there is confrontation the police must be able to call for assistance from an equipped, ready and disciplined Force.

I am, etc.,

DAVID G. BATTS

Attorney-at-law

72 Harbour Street

Kingston

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