THE EDITOR, Sir:

I THINK it is grossly unfair to come down hard on Commis-sioner Francis Forbes because of Jamaica's continuing high crime rate. The government of Jamaica must share a significant portion of the blame because of the inextricable link which continues to exist between politicians and community dons.

Additionally, Jamaican governments, both past and present, have yet to deal with poverty in a meaningful, sustained and committed way. Some of the blame also has to be shouldered by our private sector businessmen who continue to economically and psychologically empower dons and their cronies by paying monthly 'protection fees'.

From a moral standpoint, the criminals must shoulder the lion's share of blame for the crime which takes place throughout Jamaica. Commissioner Forbes and his force have been given, in the words of SSP Reneto Adams, a 'rotton society' to oversee.

I believe that Commissioner Forbes is doing the best job he can given the underlying problems which have traditionally plagued Jamaica. Until the root causes of crime are effectively dealt with, the status quo will continue.

I am, etc.,

PATRICK A. GALLIMORE

pagalley@hotmail.com

Kingston

Back to Letters

Go-Jamaica | Jamaica Star | Go-Local Jamaica | Sports Jamaica | Letters to the Editor