Editor, Sir:

The island of Jamaica may be likened to a contestant in a beauty pageant. She would have all the required features - the ideal body, intelligence, eloquence and a strong sense of humanitarianism. Jamaica, however, cannot win the prize because there is an oversized pimple on her face and it stands out, cannot be ignored and must be dealt with before the judges commence their selection process. This pimple, is the cloud of crime that has enveloped our beloved nation.

The problem, in my opinion, is being ignored by the Government, the media and elements in our society who believe it will go away by itself or is not affecting them directly. Too little is being said about the issue and it is not being given the attention that corresponds with its nature. Stakeholders need to tackle this problem with courage, sincerity and determination. The approach should be a united front; all should be involved - the church, the Government, the media - all of us have a role to play.

Collecting of information

The first step in solving any problem is the collection of information. Therefore, I recommend that extensive research be carried out to investigate the root causes of the violent and criminal nature of our people. Why is it so easy for a man mercilessly to end the life of another? What is it about how we raise our boys that is causing them to lack ambition? Why do they just settle with merely sitting 'pon di kahna' and 'beg yuh dolla' - the first steps on the way to criminal behaviour? Why do they not want to make an honest living from a 'nine-to-five' work?

What about the police force? Why are they not making a difference? Crime plan after crime plan and yet the problem not only persists, but is growing. The modus operandi of the constabulary needs to be changed; the JCF needs revamping and its structure renovated. They need to be more involved in the prevention of crime and not just the reaction to it.

The education system also has a major role to play in the crime-fighting plan. The school system allows us to detect the potential criminal from an early stage. I, therefore, suggest that the Education Ministry implements a code of conduct to govern all schools across the island. This would include simple things such as standing when a teacher enters the classroom, zero tolerance of breaches to the uniform code, and random searches of bags for knives and other weapons. The police force has a role to play here as well in assisting the school administration in maintaining standards. 'Schoolers' must conduct themselves orderly on buses and as they commute to and from their schools. They should maintain the uniform standard, shirt must remain in pants for the young men, and the police should ensure that that happens.

I am also terribly disappointed that some of our local entertainers use their music to promote crime, violence and 'badmanism'. The media, and other key movers and shakers in the industry should distance themselves from these artistes who portray the 'gangsta' life. Yes, we all know that some of them are expressing their experience, but they offer no hope. Many teenage boys listen to more of these 'gun-laden anthems' than they listen to their teachers. They hold these artistes as mentors, but they are being guided along a path that might lead to death before they reach adulthood.

I am, etc.,

JADE FRAY

jadefray@yahoo.com

August Town

Kingston 7