The Editor, Sir:

Tourism, our last surviving industry is slowly dying. Low arrivals, steady decline in 'spring breakers' and overall bad publicity are killing our last hope. It was unfortunate that even myself a 100 per cent Jamaican (yardman) decided for the first time in years to travel to Hawaii instead of spending Christmas at home in 2006. When will we 'call a spade, a spade'? Crime is the number one deterrent, turning people away from our country.

The typical visitor planning a vacation will first visit the Internet and unfortunately after I 'googled' Jamaica, here is an excerpt of one of the first things I found. "SAFETY AND SECURITY: Gang violence and shootings occur regularly in certain areas of Kingston and Montego Bay. These areas include Mountain View, Trench Town, Tivoli Gardens, and Arnett Gardens in Kingston, and Flankers in Montego Bay. Some neighbourhoods are occasionally subject to curfews and police searches. Impromptu demonstrations can occur, during which demonstrators often construct roadblocks or otherwise block the streets".

I have travelled to many countries around the world. The Bahamas is exactly like Jamaica, lots ofreggae music, yeh man, irie, beaches and seafood, minus widespread crime and police patrolling with high-powered rifles.

Hawaii is exactly the same minus widespread crime and police with high-powered rifles. Cancun, reggaeton 'Spanish reggae' again minus widespread crime.

'Google Jamaica'

I was born and raised in Montego Bay, the new murder capital of Jamaica, once the pearl of the world. Wake up and see nothing will ever progress in Jamaica until crime is down to a controllable level. Go and 'google Jamaica'.

We do respect Aloun Assamba for your efforts. I dare say it's not your fault, with th of crime one is fighting a losing battle. Controlling crime will result in increased arrivals, more returning residents and greater investments. Let's capitalise on what is happening in the world with other destinations Asia and Europe face constant pressure of potential terrorist attacks. Let's make Jamaica a suitabl where when we 'google Jamaica', it will say 'paradise''.

I am, etc.,

KYLE MURDOCK

trymi111@yahoo.com

Orlando, FL

Via Go-Jamaica