Letter of the Day - The terror which lies within

THE EDITOR, Sir:

AFTER THE suicide-bombing attacks upon America and the immediate reaction to tighten security, I wonder what it will take for the Jamaican Government to realise, that the terrorism within our shores will require airtight security measures to bring it to a halt.

A few soldiers and police patrolling the areas thought to be violent has not brought the violence under control. Is it that our Government is afraid of people crying "foul," because of a previous "State of Emergency" why they are allowing the violence against Jamaican citizens to go unchecked? Whether political or not, the murder rate is rising and it is time to call a State of Emergency.

I do not know enough about martial law to suggest that this might even be what we need. But the Government cannot reasonably expect to be recognised as providing the citizens of Jamaica with security if they fail, because of fear of criticism, to put to an end the carnage against our people.

It cannot be that for the purpose of winning another General Election the Government fails to govern now. If Government is being tested to see if they will resort to a State of Emergency, in order for someone to gain some political advantage from its implementation, then they must act because their fear to act will also be used as fodder for the cause. In that case, the Government has nothing to lose except the elections.

It is not worth keeping the political status quo or protecting the tourism industry with the loss of life of Jamaican people. We are losing in any event because tourists will not go where it is not safe, even moreso now. If the recent attack upon America can teach us anything, let it be that once we no longer fear anything, nothing can threaten us. Mr. Patterson needs to act now to protect the citizens in Jamaica from the terror that is within her shores, win, lose or draw in the elections. When he no longer cares about winning again, he will concentrate on what it will take to make our country one of "beauty, fellowship and prosperity," in his current administration and do it.

I am, etc.,

YVONNE O. COKE

handsacrossjamaica@peoplepc.com

Via Go-Jamaica

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