The Editor, Sir:

Again, another young person's life has been snuffed out, albeit by friendly fire. I must hasten to mention that, like that father, I, and many other fathers, would have responded immediately to the cries of the female members of our family in distress. Let us not forget, however, what precipitated this accident. The onslaught on our women, particularly young girls, is a matter of real concern.

Does anybody know the profile of these cowards, who are targeting defenceless girls and women?

Is this an orientation exercise for initiation in a gang? Are deportees behind these activities?

Is there a growing hatred for women? Is this a plan to marginalise and denigrate our women, who are progressing in life? Are the perpetrators men, who were themselves hurt by a woman or women in their lives?

And the questions continue. I charge the academics, police, psychologists, criminologists, Child Development Agency (CDA) and other related agencies to move on this one. But, while the study is being done, I want to recommend simple but workable solutions.

Criminal intent

All of these men, with criminal intent, have a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, girlfriend, babymother or a female cousin. They are part of a family unit and are not on an island by themselves somewhere out there.

The truth is some of these women are aware of the questionable acts of these men and, because of fear, remain silent. I call upon all women, who are aware of the sinister activities of their men folk, to band together to say enough is enough and 'talk up de tings dem'. Report what you know to Kingfish or Crime Stop. Women, you have to protect your daughters and sisters, not just those that live in your house, those who you don't even know. If we don't do something now to stop the assault on women, soon we will have a country with women, who are diagnosed with mental disorders.

I call upon the politicians to stop the grandstanding, come to a consensus and pass the appropriate legislation so that we can begin to address this critical issue of crime and violence against our people. If it means doubling or tripling days spent in Parliament, just do what is required. While you squabble, the criminals are having a field day. You all need to send a strong message to them that you are all united in the fight against this terrible monster.

I appeal to those misguided youths, if you are unable to read this piece because you are academically challenged, ask your girlfriends or sisters to read this for you. If the only way you can display your manhood is to abduct, rape and kill a young girl, then you are not a real man, you are a beast.

Real man

A real man respects women, particularly because of the fact that it was a woman who brought him into this world. If you really want to show your power as a man, get an education and get yourself a lawful job. Contact the HEART Trust, the National Youth Service (NYS), Social Development Commission (SDC) or the Ministry of Labour and enrol in a training programme today.

Musicians and entertainers, particularly the Dancehall DJs, you have responsibility to teach the wayward youths to respect and regard women. I challenge you all to unite with one voice to 'bun' all acts of violence against women. The Lord has blessed you with a very powerful tool, use it to do some good in your society.

To the human rights advocates, I understand your cause but I beg you, let us all work together to find and implement whatever will be a deterrent to crime and violence. Again, the criminals are laughing at us as we appear to be pushing a disabled car from both ends.

We are fast losing our bright minds, those who could be the great leaders of tomorrow. Drastic times demand drastic action. Let us do something NOW. In the meanwhile, Christians don't lose hope, keep on praying. God is watching and listening.

I am, etc.,

WAYNE A. POWELL

crisscounsellor@yahoo.com