The Editor, Sir:

There has been heightened concern, and justifiably so, as the level of crime against our women, and our children in particular, escalates. It was revealed in Parliament this past Tuesday, October 28, that the incidence of carnal abuse has dramatically increased over that of last year's.

Undoubtedly, something has gone terribly wrong within our society. There seems to be no respect for the sanctity of life and no one is exempt. Everywhere we go today we hear the desperate cry for action: desperate situations demand desperate measures.

I welcome the proposal to establish a special hotline for our women and children who feel threatened by anyone, more so suspected predators. I also wish to urge the government to quickly implement the Sex Offenders' Registry.

Steps to take

As the task force established by the government looks at measures to safeguard our women and children against the vicious and callous rogue elements of our society, I wish to propose the following:

1Immediate steps be taken to remove all forms of 'tints' from all public passenger vehicles. This would provide a greater level of security for persons who commute by these modes of transportation.

2A special plain-clothes police unit be established to investigate the taxi operations that seem to provide a cloak for some of the persons who desire to prey upon our girls/women. These officers should be allowed the latitude necessary to perform their task incognito.

3Increase the fines and penalties for rogue taxi operators.

4Implement an aggressive education programme in schools to inform children of the safety measures they can use to help protect themselves.

5Encourage community organisations through a public campaign to become more vigilant in the protection of members of their communities. Communities must also be encouraged to take responsibility and not to protect any person known or suspected of wrongdoing.

The psychological and emotional scars that are inflicted on families through these cruel and senseless acts of crime cannot be measured. No society can function produc-tively with the degree of fear that currently exists. If the government needs to fast-track legislation to implement any needed crime-fighting measures, then do so. Our country is bleeding.

I am, etc.,

MARK HARDY(Rev)

Minister of Religion

PO Box 3316

Kingston 8