THE EDITOR, Sir: DEAR PRIME Minister, I heard you yesterday (April 8) saying that you will not allow anyone and you refer to these 'anyones' as thugs, extortionists and troublemakers, to interfere with the smooth construction of Highway 2000. You spoke passionately of how you will crack down on them, as you will not tolerate any acts that will create problems for the contractors. You said that construction is moving on schedule and this is very important. Well Sir, I absolutely agree with you, but please also offer us the same type of priority you are giving to this project. What you are saying to these thugs is that it's OK to extort money from us, businesspeople in Downtown Kingston and other parts of Jamaica, but you will not allow it on Highway 2000. You are saying that these thugs should be satisfied with the places they are now targeting, but don't show your faces at Highway 2000. Mr. Prime Minister, we need your help downtown. We, the businessmen, are at the mercy of extortionists downtown. Reporting it to the police does not help. Once and for all Mr. Prime Minister, get rid of all these extortionists, regardless of their party affiliation. Do not allow them to operate anywhere in Jamaica. That will be a move in the right direction. I am, etc., DANNY PERSAUD Stockfarm Road Golden Spring