The Editor, Sir:

Approximately 18 years ago, my parents moved to Mandeville, Manchester, for one main reason: it was safer than Spanish Town. But is this belief still valid now? To a certain extent yes, but only marginally so.

The recent spate of over-the-top robberies, suicides, murders, rapes and now kidnappings, are leaving us the residents of Mandeville in a dazed and puzzled state.

When one hears of these crimes happening nearby, one is left saying: "That happened here in little Mandeville?!"

The most frightening thing perhaps is that these are people we all know or have all seen around Mandeville during the week, brushing against us in their hurry to and fro.

Some of us believe that the increase in crime comes from the sudden surge of people moving to Mandeville from 'town' to escape capture. Just recently, a friend pointed out a taxi man (all the way from that famous crime parish) who is here to avoid retribution from certain actions he committed with or against schoolgirls. But the thing that has currently captured all our attention is the recent kidnapping of an elderly couple.

Split personality

Yes, I can recall seeing that elderly man at his shop door. And if two of the guys they say are involved really are, then yes, I can also say I know these fellows.

Yet it is just beyond me to believe that they are really responsible. I guess what it all boils down to is "see me and live with me is two different tings." My mom keeps on repeating that but I always shrugged it off.

I feel a great distress and fear of what we are doing to ourselves. Will it ever cease? At this current rate, I guess not, yet I never want to leave Mandeville to live anywhere else.

I am, etc.,

K.L.S.

clicqs@gmail.com

Mandeville

Via Go-Jamaica