The Editor, Sir:

There has been so much debate on how best to tackle the most serious crisis that is affecting this country: gun crimes.

May I, as a very concerned citizen, make a suggestion that I hope will attract the notice of Government. This idea has been tried and implemented in one of the region's most crime-free islands. This will require certain laws to be enacted and existing ones changed.

Change the law

Change the law and make it mandatory that any person on this island caught with an unlicensed or illegal gun gets a jail term of five years and for each bullet in possession, a mandatory one-year sentence as well.

There should be no wasting of the court's time to entertain any appeals. Knives with blades over five inches should attract a mandatory one-year sentence. For the latter, the police will have to use discretion for individuals like cane vendors and others who uses knives in the line of their business.

I can see our friends from the human rights organisations putting up a stern fight as to reasons why such measures should not be introduced in Jamaica.

However, I am very confident that if the Government gives this idea some thought, it would significantly reduce the rampant shootings and killings.

I am, etc.,

NEVILLE MALCOLM

nevmal@cwjamaica.com