THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE SUGGESTION of Mr. Kingsley Thomas in a recent address that the government should impose a state of emergency to curb crime, resembles the power the USA used to crush Iraq and the difficulties they are experiencing in rebuilding that country.
Military force and strong measures are needed at times, but every nation should undergo a self-examination before taking drastic measures.
I recently received an e-mail from an old school mate regarding an assault on a teacher by a second-form student. I was gratified that the solution he put forward was not to lock up the youngster and throw away the key, but for more of the school's old boys to participate in a mentoring programme at the school.
The Americans will fail in Iraq and a state of emergency will fail in Jamaica because the solution is not more drastic measures, but dealing with the root cause of the problem, starting with the family, the communities, the political, social and economic system that continue to breed criminals.
Having not addressed the root causes of crime, no state of emergency, Suppression of Crime Act or special squads will effectively curtail or reduce crime.
Mr. Thomas, you can play a role by establishing the Housing Trust as a model governmental institution free of corruption and political influences and help families build positive relationships in decent communities.
I am, etc.,
DENNIS FRANCIS
New York
Via Go-Jamaica
