THE EDITOR, Sir:
RECENTLY I was listening to a talk show and the host was in earnest discussion with someone who from all his utterances seemed to have had a close connection with the 'One Order' gang which operates out of Spanish Town.
As I listened to some of the achievements he ascribed to the gang including no rape, no robberies, no murders and no incidence of violence in the communities under their control, I began to think about the future of Jamaica. In addition to the above they were engaged in various business activities that yielded them significant profits. When the host asked the guest if the gang was involved in extortion the reply was a resounding no. They, however, he said, wrote letters to the various business enterprises in their community requesting assistance with various projects which included back-to-school supplies, school fees and a raft of other activities.
What impressed me the most, however, is that all school children had to be off the streets by early evening and no child under the age of 18 could go into a betting shop or any place that was involved in gaming activities.
As I listened to this enthralling interview, it occurred to me that if the Government adopted the methods that the dons in these communities use to control their citizenry, which I understand involves severe punishment including the penalty of death for those who step out of line, then maybe Jamaica might start coming to grips with the total lawlessness that has now overwhelmed the country.
I am, etc.,
KEN SPENCER
P.O. Box 537
Kingston 8
