The Editor, Sir:

It is becoming quite scary for the average Jamaican to even muster the thought of making it big in this country. Apart from the few who might be lucky enough to win a significant amount in the lotto jackpot, any other Jamaican, especially our young professional men, are now wondering how feasible it is to earn a decent salary without becoming a target of criminals, or worse a special police anti-crime squad.

I think this is a sad indictment on Jamaica and what we have made of our young people. It is saying we are not able to provide decent paying jobs and other opportunities for them. It is saying, to be successful and of a certain class, is a crime. It is saying, only some of us can have it all.

My plea, therefore, to our law enforcers and other 'naysayers' is not to paint everybody with the same brush. While there are some young men with a criminal background, we cannot say all successful looking men are up to no good. Government needs to clean up the face of Jamaica by providing the opportunity for our young people to source legitimate jobs or focus on self-help initiatives that can make them feel worthwhile.

For those who are intent on becoming criminals, think again, because you will be caught. Your final destination is prison. As for those who have worked hard and are now reaping the fruits of their labour, you are what Jamaica ought to be.

I am, etc.,

JACQUELINE WRIGHT

Mandeville, Manchester

jamline66@yahoo.com