In recent weeks I have seen letter writers calling on the Bruce Golding administration to ease the restrictions on the ownership of firearms and use of ammunition by private citizens of this country. According to these persons, the alarming crime rate warrants such a policy.

I am totally opposed to this suggestion. Arming the general population in Jamaica will not assist in any tangible way to address constructively the country's crime and murder problems, which is all pervasive across the island. Jamaicans are extremely cantankerous, hot-headed and, extremely violent based on the culture of the country and, therefore, it would be mayhem, chaos and disaster in this country if all private citizens were allowed a firearm via a licensing system.

Civil war

Jamaica would be plunged into a civil war of gargantuan proportions if the population were to be armed by the Government.

Some 30,000 persons in this country currently are in possession of firearms licenses and every month there are reports within the media of controversial shootings being carried out by licensed firearms holders.

Illegal shootings

Can you imagine the hundreds of unjustified and illegal shootings that would take place in the country every month if the entire Jamaican population were to be given firearms licences left, right and centre?

What Mr Golding must do is to ensure that we have a modern, highly equipped and professional police force whose members are highly paid and that we have an efficient, effective, technologically advanced and fair system, which gives justice to the rich and poor, despite what class a person may come from.

I am, etc.,

ROBERT DALLEY

Reading P.O.

St James