The loss of life and the freedom of predatory gangs to roam at will throughout Jamaica, leaving a trail of blood and tears in their paths, are very serious causes of concern.

The Government appears to be willing to cede sovereignty to those who are brutal and daring enough to challenge the very rule of law, claiming that it lacks the manpower to police the state effectively. This may have some truth to it, although I am sure a lot of people suspect that there is a lack of political will to tackle the real roots of the crime problem.

Calling a state of emergency may not be desirable, even though some people have expressed the will to surrender some of their civil rights temporarily for a more effective challenge to crime.

Empower Watch groups

The former Home Guard movement, which was attempted in the 1970s, could be revived to empower the participants in neighbourhood crime watch organisations, so that persons who meet necessary criteria would be allowed to bear personal arms to protect themselves, and to safeguard their communities.

They could also be assigned a radio bandwidth, for communication purposes, possibly with handheld radios, to allow communication among neighbourhood crime watch participants, and also with the police.

It is time for Jamaicans to take back their country from those who would seek to 'kick in the doors' of helpless people, and to ruthlessly take away their very human rights.

I am, etc.,

PATRICK BROWN

paddocks37@hotmail.com

Florida