The Editor, Sir:

If a survey could be done on inner-city residents 30 years or over, I am almost sure that you would find that a large percentage are actually from rural parishes.

Some residents of the inner city communities came to Kingston in the '70s with hopes and dreams of a better life, but some were in for a rude awakening. The reality of Kingston not being a bed of roses hit them hard and a number of them were left broke and desolate.

Instead of going back home dejected and pauperised, they chose to stay in Kingston and would even send letters to 'country' that they were okay and doing well, although they sometimes did not have a roof over their heads! The skilled ones got jobs and also some zinc and a few sheets of boards and built small houses on whatever land they could gain access until eventually a community is formed.

The resources are scarce so a few unscrupulous ones will resort to robbery and extortion to support their families who in turn will loyally protect them.

The most feared or vicious males are selected as area leaders in different pockets of the community, and the most respected and influential male is then selected as the Don. This is my view on how a garrison is formed.

I am, etc.,

WARREN HALL

warway9@yahoo.com

Via Go-Jamaica