THE EDITOR, Sir:A FEW weeks ago, in the space of two weeks, 17 persons were killed in Spanish Town. There is the constant call for the Church and the security forces to do more; to let their presence be felt in the Spanish Town area. I agree with the call, but I wish to say that the Church and the security forces are only two-thirds of the solution. Where is the other third?
The people in and around Spanish Town who depend on the dons and gangs to survive need work. They need to be given the opportunity to provide their own bread, thereby reducing their dependence on the gang leaders and dons.
Look at the level of disruption that follows the killing of any of the gang leaders! Shouldn't that tell our political leaders something?
I, therefore, call on the Government and the business people of Spanish Town to do something to change the social and economic state of the poverty-stricken people of Spanish Town and its environs, and I guarantee the need for the gangs will be greatly reduced and the crime and violence will be brought under control.
I am, etc.,
LOIS BRYCE
Falmouth P.O.
