The Editor, Sir:

Acts akin to terrorism, that's what occurring with the recent blatant attack on the security forces over the last few days, and I am concerned that our leaders have not the intestinal fortitude to unite in stemming this monster that seeks to transform our Jamaican state into an Iraq, an Afghanistan and a Somalia, where chaos, pande-momium, and disorder reign. I am convinced that the hoodlums who roam our streets are united in their effort into destroying this little paradise on the rock. Thus, once again, I call for a government of national unity to confront those terrorists that are creating havoc on our society and instilling fear and a sense of hopelessness within the average law-abiding citizen.

I believe that much more can be done to effectively curb and break the back of crime. I believe that our politicians should stop 'pussyfooting' around and enact laws to greatly empower the police, while at the same time instituting checks and balances so that those who run afoul of the guidelines in the enforcement of their duty are dealt with fairly and speedily. I believe that the money can be found to equip the police force with state-of-the-art technology to enhance its capability in tracking down those hoodlums that wreak havoc on our society.

It amazes me how both parties spend millions of dollars on their political conferences to wine and dine their diehard supporters, yet when it comes on to addressing the issues that affect those on whom we depend for security, at the expense of their own lives, the perennial cry is lack of funds. What nonsense is that?

I believe that the Government, Opposition and the private sector ought to enter into a social partnership aimed at ensuring that our policemen and women are properly remunerated for the sacrifice that they make for this country.

The arresting of crime

Nothing should be of more importance to the Government and political directorate than the arresting of crime. Too often, the fight against crime is used for political mileage and both Government and Opposition seem not to grasp the concept that it is within their interest to address this national issue united, because if not done sooner than later, our island will be overrun by thugs and it will become ungovernable. I believe that much more can be done by the political directorate and civil society to boost the morale of our police officers, by improving the environ-ment in which those noble men and women work, because if truth be told, our policemen and women are treated shabbily, yet we expect of them miracles.

I'm bewildered how quick organisations with misnomer names such as Jamaicans for Justice, and Family Against State Terrorism are in condemning the police when in the execution of their duty thugs are killed.

Hypocrisy

I am baffled how strident they are in belittling the force; they flood the talk shows daily voicing their hypocritical concern; however, such stridence is not seen when hoodlums take the life of an officer or any other law-abiding person. All such groups do in such an event is issue a half-hearted press release, end of the matter. Such hypocrisy ought to cease. Human right groups play an important role in any society; however, in the exercise of their mandate there must be objectivity and balance, so as to avoid sending the wrong message to those ingrates who terrorise us.

The time is now when Jamaicans from every strata of society must take a stand to reclaim our island, no matter the cost. We must be willing to lay down our lives, as did our forefathers, for the well-being of our country. We must send a clear united, stern message to those who terrorise and seek to alter our way of life. Finally, we must denounce those hypocrites, who are defenders of criminals, because failure to do so, will result in the transformation of 'Jamaica land of beauty' into an abyss of moral degradation and decay.

I am, etc.,

MARVIN GAYE WILLIAMS

MT.Bsc.

Margaye98@yahoo.com

Universidad del Plata

Argentina