THE EDITOR, Sir:THE LATEST crime figures given by the police and reported in the May 12 edition of The Gleaner show that nearly 450 persons were murdered since the start of the year. This is an average of four persons killed each day.
As frightening as the figures are, the human grief and suffering associated with these murders is great cause for alarm. Every time an innocent person is murdered it thrusts another parent into grief, a child robbed of a parent and a nation sunk deeper in fear. One can only image the long-term psychological effect the current crime wave will have on our most vulnerable, the children.
Losing a loved one is difficult for anyone to deal with. But, when children witness their parents or a friend being killed, coping for them is much more difficult. The unscrupulous and heartless among us are waging an undeclared war against law-abiding citizens. It is, therefore, time to fight back by sending a clear message that we will not be intimidated into becoming cowards.
Fighting back means we form a partnership with those who are entrusted to protect us, the police. This partnership does not mean we condone police atrocities against innocent citizens. When criticism of police action is necessary it should be made unequivocally and the criminals should never misconstrue such criticism as a campaign against police.
Every Jamaican who knowingly protects and shields a suspected murderer from being brought to justice is equally guilty of murder. Those parents, spouses and children who are benefactors of the illicit drug trade are contributors to lawlessness in the society. In fighting crime, government must create a cohesive partnership programme among the various community groups including the school and the church with the police.
I am, etc.,
WINSTON MILLS
capitolfm@aol.com
Philadelphia, PA
Via Go-Jamaica
