The Editor, Sir:

I find it strange that many commentators and members of the general public both in Jamaica and abroad view Jamaica's crime problem as a quick-fix situation, which should already be solved by the three-month-old government.

One cannot be too hasty to act without a careful evaluation of the potential effectiveness and effect such actions will have on the general public. The days of implementing a new police squad to fight fire with fire is over.

It is my view that this problem stems from the low levels of literacy among the general public of Jamaica. No matter how much action you take, and how quickly you take those actions, if the root cause is not dealt with, crime will continue to be a big problem.

I would suggest that the Government makes it harder for persons to live in Jamaica without an education. For example, no individual should be able to hold a driver's licence or operate a business without the equivalent of a grade 11 education or higher.

It's time to get serious about education for all Jamaicans, not only for high school students but for all. It has been proven time and time again that countries with high literacy rates have lower crime rates.

I am, etc.,

AUDLEY GILPIN Jr.

audleygilpin@yahoo.com

Toronto, Canada