Guns must be handed in
published: Wednesday | July 19, 2006

THE EDITOR, Sir:

MONDAY'S LETTER of the day that says that warring gang members in Spanish Town would be more convincing if they turned in their guns is right on target. How in truth can there be a real truce when both sides are fully armed? In some regard, they mirror the Palestinian/Israeli conflict and now Hezbollah, for truly, if there are weapons, be they rockets or handguns, in time people will be inclined to use it and less amenable to negotiation and living side by side in amity. America would be well-advised as it deals with North Korea and Iran to simultaneously look at itself in relation to its own nuclear ambitions. Surely, too, should all gangs across Jamaica, be they One Order or Klansman.

As a member of a volatile community (Mall Road: west central St. Andrew), which has become more volatile because of recent deaths and an increase in gun violence, I too, like the writer in Monday's Gleaner, call for a meaningful truce where all the illicit weapons are taken off the streets and handed in to the police. How else will we be able to move forward, assured that there is a real cessation of violence?

The time has come to match words with actions and that time is now.

I am, etc.,

MARGARET DAVIGULUS

MMD@yahoo.com

Mall Road

Kingston 11

Via Go-Jamaica