I am frightened by the increasing murder rate, and more so because there was a threat on my life by one of my youthful relatives. Despite such unfortunate circumstances, I am still strongly opposed to the view that hanging is an effective deterrent in law enforcement.

Looking at Jamaica's colonial past, I see hanging as a barbaric mechanism that was used to deter those who would dare to challenge the plantocracy.

But according to recent scholarship, hanging is ineffective as a deterrent and "is not in keeping with the evolving standards of decency in today's world". Therefore, hanging has no place in modern Jamaica.

- Rev Dr Glen George Wilson Church Hill, Springfield PO St Elizabeth

The book, The Search, written by Hartley Neita about the Jamaica College boys who went missing in the Blue Mountains in 1939 is riveting, as your reviewer Mr Moxam wrote last Sunday. I have heard of this story for many years, but reading the book now brings the drama of the adventure forcibly to my attention.

The book should be read by at least every sixth form student in our secondary schools and I hope the Ministry of Education will include it among the textbooks for English literature classes.

- M. McKenzie, Caribbean Terrace Kingston 17

I am 100 per cent behind Mayor Desmond McKenzie in regards to places of amusement that don't have certain safety precautions in place. Please, let's not wait for something to happen and then we all start pointing fingers, by then it would have been too late.

- Sandra Reece, sandrareece25yahoo.com

I have visited your country numerous times, and find it unbelievable how your Government treats your young people. When will you realise that the children are your tomorrow. Granted, we as Americans have problems as well, but our children aren't treated as yours.

We do have free medical insurance for the poor, as well as a programme called Wic that supplies free cheese, cereal, fruit juice, milk, peanut butter and crackers. We have a place called Good Will where they can get decent used clothing, toys and furniture. Plus, the salary that is the minimum wage here goes much further than in your country. I sincerely hope that you will begin to think about your youth. If you continue to let them down, woe unto you.