THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE RECENT announcement of measures to improve the justice system is long overdue. Without this improvement, the intense focus on the police force only will yield little results.
Concentrating only on the police is like using a plunger to clear a blocked drain with the 'bung' still in place. Even if the police became more efficient, it would only pile up cases on top of cases 'awaiting trial'.
A major key in providing better justice and reducing crime is having an efficient court system. Without this, both the police and civilians are frustrated. This frustration aids and abets crime and extrajudicial killings. I believe this is one reason for the popularity of dons and vigilante justice. When the state fails to provide justice, alternate means are found.
Nevertheless, we need to see more specifics on this reform. We need to see a clear timetable for the implementation of the various elements in this plan. Secondly, we need some specific targets on how quickly cases will be handled when the reforms have been implemented.
There is no time to waste. Thousands of lives are at stake. The greater cost is not the funds for the reform, but to even think we cannot afford it.
I am, etc.,
NORMAN KING
nkingjam@yahoo.com
May Pen P.O.
Via Go-Jamaica
