The Editor, Sir:

I fully agree with your article about the use of CCTV. It boggles my mind that for so many years Jamaica has been suffering under the thumbs of these criminal elements, yet the Government has not installed this cheap and effective technology that have proven significant benefit all over the world.

Sometimes, I wonder if we are really serious about fighting crime. Haven't we seen how quickly the Americans and British were able to trace the footsteps of the 9/11 and train bombers in New York and London.

Just recently I was in Stockholm, an extremely safe city, yet the taxis are all equipped with video cameras because two taxis were held up and robbed. The problem in Jamaica is that there is no foresight, we only react after the fact and prevention is not something that has an immediate impact and can be measured and used as political achievement. Every home in Jamaica can be and should be fitted with a camera, let alone the streets.

Working with the UN

I have been with the United Nations now for almost 30 years working all over the world in some of the hottest spots including, Somalia, Kosovo, Lebanon, East Timor, DRC Congo, etc. and currently based in Liberia, a country that has seen over 15 years of continuous war, steeped in poverty, yet you can walk the streets anytime of the day or night without looking over your shoulders.

For the whole year, there has not been six gun crimes. There is no no-go enclaves. Wouldn't that be a breath of fresh air for many of our citizens who are all living behind bars.

I wish you, your staff and all my fellowmen a safe New Year.

I am, etc.,

HENRY THOMPSON

thompson@un.org