The Editor, Sir:

Since the last time I wrote about the 'gating of Mona Heights', there has been much discussions about the issue. Over the past months, Mona has been transformed into something that frightens me and, as such, I had to write again concerning Mona Heights. My family and I and other relatives have lived in Mona for many years, but to see what is happening to our community is shocking.

First, the thieves have become unbearable. They have been stealing persons' clothes, garden hose and anything they can get their hands on. In fact, they have entered my parents' premises and robbed them of several items on four occasions, with their tenant's car being broken into on the last occasion. Persons have also been held up and robbed in the community.

Second, Mona has become a thoroughfare for vehicles, either heading to UTech from Mona Road, or UWI from Garden Boulevard. The speed that these vehicles travel at poses a grave problem for children and all citizens in general. There have been four accidents at the corner of Garden Boulevard and Daisy Avenue in the last six months.

Dumping their garbage

Third, the school children from Mona Primary, Mona High, and Jamaica College have become a nuisance. If they are not dumping their garbage on the sidewalks, or cursing each other with some colourful language, they walk in the middle of the road, with no concern for motorists.

In my estimation, some things can be done immediately to curb some of the problems. Regarding the thieves, we as citizens know who live in our community, so we have to be vigilant.

When we see strangers, we have to call the police and report them. We must take an active part in our neighbours' lives, so that they will take an active part in our lives. The police cannot be asked to do everything.

SLEEPING POLICEMEN

Regarding the cars entering Mona, I think the citizens association should approach Government to have some sleeping policemen placed on Garden Boulevard, Daisy Avenue and Violet Avenue; these are the main areas of concern right now. Also, speed limit signs should be placed, and randomly monitored by the police.

Regarding the school children, the prinicapls of these schools need to educate the children regarding order and proper conduct. The roads and sidewalks are not garbage bins.

I strongly believe that Mona Heights should be a gated community, which would solve a lot of the problems we now face.

I am etc.,

DAYNE ANDERSON

dayne_a@hotmail.com

Mona, Kingston 6

Via Go-Jamaica