THE EDITOR, Sir: THE DON culture, the gang culture and their most evil offspring, the culture of extortion, collectively represent the most dangerous of the epidemics affecting most of our urban centres today.
If we could only stamp out the don and gang cultures, unwelcome activities being perpetrated by a few, our wonderful country could once again become the pearl of the Caribbean.
Dons, gangs and extortion, through non-compliance with either, are responsible directly and indirectly for more than 80 per cent of the murders and shootings in Jamaica.
Many will readily argue this percentage and I will immediately concede that it could be either higher or lower. Regardless of the exact percentage, however, if these epidemics are not rooted out soonest, 'dog nyam wi supper'.
The Commissioner of Police not too long ago I think, appointed a special team to, among other things, identify and dismantle all gangs.
This was good, but is this team still in place or has this team rather than the gangs, been dismantled?
The most recent case of an elected official, allegedly being affiliated to a gang leader and/or the second or third in command is a clear sign that the dogs have started the feast.
It really does not matter how this 'episode' is finally resolved, as knowing the history of 'these things', with the emergence of another episode, it will soon be forgotten. It is a dangerous sign.
For how long will the many have to suffer for the dangerous greed of a few?
Past experience would suggest that this, like so many other serious cases involving elected officials will be skillfully swept under the carpet by our locally appointed officials.
It is for this reason and as has been done before, that I seek the intervention of the more independent Scotland Yard to bring closure and help save Jamaica Land We Love.
I am, etc.,
FRANK LYN,
Kingston 19
