THE EDITOR, Sir:
WHY IS it that when most Jamaicans speak they either speak of one P or another P.? Our country has been so divided that if we see a problem our first reaction or comment is "a JLP or PNP fault." Yet somehow you cannot blame semi-literate people who have been fed and nourished on this way of life. People who depend on politicians for handouts will always allow the politician to think and speak for them. Whatever my party says is right and a so it go.
We want to solve crime but guess what, one P might get the glory if the solution works so what the other P will do is oppose whatever solution is put forward. In fact, I heard one politician announce some time ago that "we are the opposition so we must oppose". Rubbish. But politicians will always be politicians, paying lip service to a nation since 1962.
The social programmes which will be implemented should be handled by representatives from the private sector, the church, the police and representatives from the communities being targeted. This same group should also manage the funds which will be used in assisting the police and citizens to properly find an alternative to drug dons and crime. The source and application of this fund should be subjected to an annual audit and the findings made public.
Those among us who want to get rich quick without going about it in a lawful way should feel the full force of the law when convicted. Gun-toting cowards should not feel comfortable while law-abiding citizens have to lock themselves inside grilled houses. We can take back this country if we want to.
I am, etc.,
KENNETH GRANT
PO box 1376
Kingston 8
