THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE WORLD Bank released data recently, informing us that in the last decade (1994-2004) Jamaica experienced 10,752 murders, a number which the island should not be proud about, especially the Government and its Ministry of Security.
Jamaica is leading the Western Hemisphere in murders per capita and there does not seem to be any resolution to this serious problem by the elected officials. The most important responsibility any democratic government has is protecting its citizens.
The 10,752 murdered Jamaican citizens included upstanding professionals, business leaders, law enforcement personnel, entertainers, students, athletes, decent law-abiding citizens, which included women and Jamaica's future, innocent children.
This number of victims is only for the last 10 years. If we inspect the numbers for the past three decades, just imagine every seat in the National Stadium filled. That will give you a better picture of all those we have lost due to the out-of-control crime situation in our Jamaica.
It is time for all Jamaicans who love this country to play their role in taking the nation back from the criminals. We should help the Government and the private sector to provide the security Jamaica is in desperate need of. If this rate of crime continues, the economy is going to continue suffering, less jobs will be created, people will continue to live in deeper fear and the future of our children and our country will only be more bleak.
Enough is enough. It is time for law-abiding Jamaicans to stop living in fear, and enjoy their lives, in one of the most beautiful places God created, our beloved county, Jamaica.
I am, etc.,
BOB NUGENT
r2cr@juno.com
Via Go-Jamaica
