THE EDITOR, Sir:
IT HAS to be disappointing for many well-thinking Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) supporters and others, who would reluctantly or otherwise, vote for the Opposition. To think, that after so many years in Opposition, the JLP's answer for stemming murder and other crimes is to call for the resignation of Dr. Peter Phillips.
Haven't we tried this before (changing minister of security) with the same result of high crime? Suppose Dr. Phillips resigned - using the usual politician line that he wants to spend more time with his family. Whom would the JLP recommend to fill his post? Would the JLP's Mr. Derrick Smith be a good/better candidate to replace Dr. Phillips? With the noise and sound bites (long on criticism, short on solution) that is coming out of the JLP, I don't think so!
Crime is not only Dr. Phillips' and the Government's problem but that of all Jamaicans, at home and abroad. Instead of calling for Dr. Phillips resignation, the JLP should take the lead and tell us of their long term plan - a vision all can see-charting a course of how they would deal with crime, were they in power.
Corruption has become a way of life in the country.
Extortionists are having a field day extracting money from businesses. We know that deportees are responsible for a vast number of our crimes. (Mr. Chuck spoke about one causing hell in his constituency).
LAWMAKERS
The police force is having difficulty in getting lawmakers to enact laws to aid in their crime fighting efforts. What has the JLP done, suggested or introduced in Parliament to have laws enacted to counter criminals, to monitor or otherwise curtail the activities of those 'discarded' from foreign lands?
Until, the JLP can deliver a message with clarity, on their position on how they will deal with crime and others ills in our country - in a non partisan way- and getting the population to see and share their vision, they can rest assured that they will continue to repeat history as the longest serving Opposition in a democracy, possibly the world.
I am, etc.,
AUTHNEL REID
authnelreid@aol.com
Middlesex, New Jersey
