THE EDITOR, Sir:

I was looking so upbeat and enthusiastic to the new year, what with World Cup Cricket, 20 per cent decrease in murders in 2006, beautification programmes to be launched, and agitation from the Children's Advocate and other prominent citizen about child care affairs.

In less than two weeks, I feel so deflated because of the following reasons:

(a) The apparent unpreparedness of the region (especially Jamaica) re infrastructure, visa procedures concerning the World Cup, which is accompanied by a gut feeling that the World Cup will not run smoothly; (b) Forty persons, including two policemen, are murdered in 10 days and the announcement that the JCF is to recruit a deputy commissioner not to assist in murder detection or drugs and guns investigation, but to weed out corruption in the police force; (c) The media exposure of the filth and grime that not only exist in inner cities and malaria-affected areas, but at the St. William Grant Park in the heart of downtown.

Carnal Abuse

(d) In the media of January 2 a child 15 years old was being highlighted and fêted for being the first mother giving birth on New Year's Day in a prominent hospital. To date, I have heard no news of the baby-father being prosecuted for carnal abuse.

Yet, Mr. Editor, I see where there are big discussions about the new Incest Act and other acts to protect abused women and children. When are the lawmakers and persons in authority going to wake up and realise that what we need is not new laws which will not be implemented, but vigorously enforcing those on the books to deter would-be abusers from carrying out their dastardly acts?

Just look how long the Anti-Litter Act has been passed and the major towns, including the once- beautiful Mandeville, are dirtier than before.

Please, persons in authority, no more new laws before properly enforcing the old ones for a period and seeing whether there is need for them to be further strengthened.

I am, etc.,

AINSWORTH DICK

Commissioned land

surveyor

9 Regal Plaza

Kingston 5