The Editor, Sir:

As I read through The Gleaner, I noticed recommendations by the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica about crime in our home-land.

Instead of trying imprisonment as a solution, why not address the root cause with social welfare programmes?

Crime will never stop if we imprison and extend detainment periods. What we will have is an overcrowded prison system, and we will be unable to rehabilitate them efficiently. The result will be revengeful inmates, intent on doing more harm.

The influx of guns in our island is as a result of 'bigger heads' who started the trend, but now the criminals have outsmarted them, they are throwing everyone in jail as they cannot control them.

There is a no quick fix to the problems facing us. What we should do is invest in the people, by building better homes, upgrade the schools, give more skills training and help to create entrepreneurs.

I would like to use this medium to say to Mavado, in particular, that I love your voice and you compose your lyrics very nicely. However, please tone down the violence in your music. You are a unique individual and you have more to offer than violence. There are young people with immature minds who believe every words you say. Stop the gun lyrics if you want longevity.

I am, etc,

G. HYLTON

Jacks Hill P O , St Andrew