THE EDITOR, Sir:
THERE HAVE been several calls for Dr. Peter Phillips' resignation or criticism of his leadership in this area. I have never met Dr. Phillips nor do I know him personally, but I say to his naysayers if you believe that you can do a better job step forward. His is a job that no one should begrudge.
Several years ago I went in search of a young lady in an area not far from downtown Kingston, and a young man familiar with the area volunteered to take me to find her.
At a tender age of 22, several years back, I was given a wake-up call as to the level of guns on the street. On entering the area, I parked my vehicle while the young man went in search of the girl. It was 10 o'clock in the morning and I nearly collapsed when out of nowhere there were about 10 men walking leisurely towards the van with guns exposed in their hands.
The men came, stopped by the van, unloaded the guns on the bonnet while eyeing me suspiciously all the while. They started cleaning the guns and having several discussions about the rifles as if they were at a gun exposition while I looked on in utter shock. One young man later rode up on a bicycle and proudly showed off his 'piece' that he had obtained the night before.
Needless to say, I have never entered that area again, and thank God to this day that he allowed me to leave safe. Since then I have had other run-ins with criminal elements; the last encountered being the most painful for me as I watched helplessly as my husband was robbed and a gun put to his head.
GROWING AND MATURING
Based on my experience, I have learnt not to be naive about the level of crime that exists. Like many Jamaicans, I welcome every initiative put in place by the Government, because each time I hope and pray that this one will indeed work.
I was really proud of Opposition spokesman on security Derrick Smith when he endorsed, if not all but some of the elements of Operation Kingfish. This gave me some hope that our country has grown and matured over the years and could move forward when the Government and Opposition could both agree 'somewhat' on a major initiative instead of each critising plans implemented by the other.
So whether we call this one Kingfish or whatever there are many Jamaicans like myself who have no other country to run to, do not wish to run to any other country, unable to bear the cold or are just loyal to or love his/her country who are wishing and praying at this time that this last initiative will in fact work. All the best on this one, Dr. Phillips
I am, etc.,
C. NEMBHARD
Csn64@hotmail.com
St. Catherine
