The Editor, Sir:

The Government can decide this now, and then argue every-thing else afterwards. Maxine Henry-Wilson said that they aren't catching the criminals, but that does not dictate that you should abolish hanging or the death penalty - whatever it is. What happens in the future when you do start catching them. Then what?

I agree we need to step up the pace in catching and convicting these criminals, but if is even one that is caught - he should be hanged! I remember the men who killed Vick Higgs some years ago and when one heard he got the death penalty, he lost 50lb in a week and human rights wanted him pardoned because of that.

This is a criminal who cold-bloodedly killed a man who was only trying to be kind to him. Hanging might not be used as a deterrent, if it is, then fine. It is JUST punishment and maybe even too mild for some of them! Similar to when you break a rule at work you are fired or when you are rude your parents beat you - those are punishments for not obeying the rule. So if it is you kill, then the punishment is the death penalty. Notice I said punishment, not deterrent! This is not a secret, so if you go out and break this law, then face the consequences/punishment!

These criminals fear death and they fear the noose. They are happy-go-lucky now because they know it is hard for them to get caught when they pay and drive fear to those in their community who know what they are doing.

Death penalty for raping

They should started introducing death penalty for those who rape, especially the children as this is getting way out of hand. Rape is not like losing a material good, a tv, a phone or jewellery or even money!

All these you can get back. What does one get back when he/she is raped! It's a severe and hideous crime that deserves a severe and hideous punishment!

It's time we stop prettying up this situation as if we are begging these criminals something. We should lock down the country and go from house to house, community to community and take pictures and fingerprints of everybody! This is after we, of course, decide on keeping and activating the death penalty!

I am willing to give up some of my rights here - it's a sacrifice we should all be willing to make for the good of Jamaica and our future!

I am, etc.,

SANDY LYN

sel5673@hotmail.com

Spanish Town