The Editor, Sir:

The increasing levels of crime is disturbing and demands quick and effective action that can arrest it. The new government is under pressure and must be put under increased pressure to find solutions, as justice and defence of citizens are two of the primary functions of any government.

Over the past 25 years, we have failed miserably at crime fighting. All the methods and abundant expenditure have been futile. Simply putting in more money is not our greatest need; rather, it requires serious commitment, new approaches, effective laws and justice system, a correct understanding of the 'beast' and bold decisive leadership.

Jamaica's crime problem can be solved - it needs a different strategy and approach tackling the root while we deal with the 'fruit'. Both long and short-term methods must be applied simultaneously. When you have stage four cancer, it needs fast, radical immediate action while you attempt lifestyle changes for the medium to long term.

Tough responses

Crime now needs quick, tough responses. Criminals of the ilk we have created only respond to fear. They must fear the consequences:

They must fear that the possibility of being apprehended is high.

They must fear the consequences of conviction.

They must fear the potential long-term effects of conviction on their lives.

Effective crime-fighting strategy must have a known system of definite, quick and effective justice, and police, criminals and citizens must know this system.

Criminals thrive in two fundamental atmospheres:

Darkness/secrecy, where they intimidate and have people in fear.

Where justice is weak and/or slow and there is the belief that they are unlikely to be caught and if caught, they can easily get off lightly, at worst.

Responsive citizenry

Crime fighting in our crisis needs a responsive citizenry. Our citizens have lost faith in our police force. We must create a mechanism immediately in which citizens can have confidence in the security forces, persons who they can trust.

The citizens, even in the garrison communities, are tired of the crime and violence but they feel trapped, hopeless and helpless, with no one to appeal to. They see none they can trust to hope for real change.

The Prime Minister on many fronts will find his hands tied if he does not radically apply the 'Fresh Start' principle he speaks of. It is the only way to free himself and the nation to engage fresh minds and hearts who share his vision to build a better Jamaica.

The crime dilemma does not need a new minister as some are suggesting, as the minister is well able. However, he needs to pull a new team with a fresh approach to the problem to examine and implement some of the recommendations from the various reports done. He needs the full backing of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet to make this a national priority.

The long-term success will depend on the nation's willingness to deal with the past, engage the present and plan the future. This can only effectively be done on a platform of truth, righteousness and justice.

I am, etc.,

AL MILLER

Kingston