THE EDITOR, Sir:
I WOULD like to echo the sentiments of the Honourable Oliver Clarke in saying that crime in Jamaica is a manageable problem. I unreservedly support the security forces as they set about the task of returning a sense of security to the citizens residing in and commuting throughout the inner city. I pledge my support even though I am aware that the measures to be undertaken may infringe upon my personal freedoms.
Having stated my support for the new measures to be undertaken, I remain mindful that these measures offer only temporary relief to the lawlessness that is rapidly gaining a foothold in the island. It is clear that only the collective will of the people in concert with the efforts of the security forces and the courts will break the back of the terrorists that plague the country.
To achieve this synergy of action and motive the government must ensure the safety of witnesses and vigorously prosecute crimes.
The informer must be protected, rewarded and elevated within our society if the 'Area Dons' are to be replaced as the leaders of civil society. Each thug must know that he will have nowhere to hide and no friend among the decent. If the government can foster the development of a willingness within the citizenry of the inner city to expose the criminal element living amongst them, then the nation can truly put crime in Jamaica into permanent remission.
I am, etc.,
K.Y. TAYLOR
Kytaylor@hotmail.com
