The Editor, Sir:

I cannot help but feel a sense of chagrin, each time someone in the media, who should know better, attempts to excuse the failings of the current government, by reminding us that for 18 years the People's National Party (PNP) was at the helm, and failed. It is true that the PNP-led government squandered the resources of the nation. It is true that they failed to manage the country's affairs with any reasonable sense of good stewardship. But, in all fairness, the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) was right there for ever second of those 18 years. So, in fairness, they too should be held accountable for where we are today. To drive home my point, the JLP, had its own set of issues that made it unfavourable in the eyes of the electorate.

Knowledgeable ministers

Mr. Derrick Smith, the Minister of National Security, who for years walked in the shadows of his counterpart, Peter Phillips, and should, therefore, be knowledgeable of all matters of national security, now seems embarrassingly out of his league - unable or unwilling to take action.

Mr. Smith should be the most outraged amongst the nation. He should be leading the charge. Instead, he thinks it wise to analyse and strategise. His reassurance that we should not panic is reason itself to make one panic! Someone needs to tell Mr. Smith that the time for analysis is long past.

This Government needs to err on the side of making an error. They need to act now, to secure the lives of the Jamaican people. They need to crush the wave of murder. They have the resources and the support of the ordinary people. So, just do it.

I am, etc.,

KENNETH REEVES

reeves909@bellsouth.net

Stocckbridge

Georgia