HAMILTON
THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE VERY first course of action that must be taken, if we are meaningfully to tackle the scourge of violent crime currently plaguing our nation, is for minds to come together with a common goal, i.e., a unity of purpose.
It is for this reason that I heartily endorse the decision of the Private Sector organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) to demonstrate this unity of purpose by calling for a national closure of all businesses today.
The reaction to this call will show how committed the nation is in the fight against crime.
Assuming that this call is widely supported - and I sincerely hope that it will be - then the question arises, "What happens thereafter?"
Let me assure all those who think that the solution is to kill off all the current crop of gunmen, that, even were it possible, this would not achieve the desired result, because, like the hydra-headed monster, more gunmen would only spring up in their place.
Having assumed a united resolve against crime and violence, the business sector must now embark on action that will galvanise Jamaicans everywhere into action, firstly to give our children hope and opportunity and secondly to provide residents of the inner cities an alternative to dependence on the largesse of others.
Jamaicans have been waiting for this call - this moment cannot, must not be allowed to pass.
Jamaica is poised for transformation - at last, the Church is becoming a united force, the business sector likewise, and Jamaicans scattered overseas are being passionately aroused - the overwhelming force of this Jamaican energy cannot fail.
Let this call, therefore, be the genesis of the change that this nation needs, by awakening our collective consciences to the fact that every single one of us has a role to play in 'taking our country back' and not the security forces alone.
I am, etc.,
HOWARD HAMILTON, Q.C.
National Initiative for Street Children - Chairman
Public Defender
