The Editor, Sir:

Jamaica appears to be a country where criminals are free and law-abiding citizens are imprisoned. What a state!

Our so-called human-rights advocates appear to be fighting against those who have the responsibility to enforce the law, and so the criminals feel protected by these people.

I am proposing a crime reduction plan that should transform Jamaica. The plan is as follows:

Under the cover of a six-month state of emergency, call out all police and soldiers (with foreign support from the Caribbean or the United States) to execute an all-island search, district by district, house by house, yard by yard and car by car by security personnel.

Prevent reinvasion

As each area is cleared, a mobile patrol team will dominate and prevent reinvasion of the elements flushed out or criminals trying to take refuge in these clean areas. Private security companies can be used for patrolling and conducting road blocks.

The Church, social workers and economic and commercial sectors will move into the clean areas to commence counselling of the citizens, reorganising the community, reopen shops and schools with the input of the citizens.

Prayer vigils

Not only should this strategy be executed under the cover of a state of emergency, but also under the cover of prayer vigils at Vale Royal, Jamaica House, Kings House, Gordon House and in every church building across Jamaica.

I am urging the Government to be bold and unwavering by making the decision to again put things right in Jamaica, regardless of the opposition.

What is right for Jamaica and not what is politically expedient has to be done to save our country.

I am, etc.,

MAJOR PATRICK AIKEN

(Retired)

majorpataken@yahoo.com

Via Go-Jamaica