THE EDITOR, Sir:
CONGRATULATIONS TO the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) and the other participants in the "shut down" to protest against the crime situation. While I am conscious of, and grateful for, the support of the Jamaican people on this initiative, a lot more needs to be done to curb crime and corruption in this country.
It is no use blaming the government for we have all contributed to the state of crime and corruption in this country. Yes, you and I might not buy a gun or a bullet, let alone fire a shot. However, what about our driver's licence, gun licence, bribing the police, tardiness at work, discourtesy towards one another, evasion of taxes, neglect of our children, victimising our employees and subordinates, nepotism, and the list goes on.
Let us, therefore, stop pointing fingers and begin with the man in the mirror. Here is what I think we can do:
1. Establish a trust fund through the PSOJ to go towards inner-city renewal projects. Each employed Jamaican will contribute one per cent of his or her income towards this project.
2. Designate certain areas as 'violence prone' and 'high risk' and place a 'safety net' around them. Declare a state of emergency period of six months. The aim must be to 'track' and 'crack' the criminal elements which control these areas.
3. Let every Jamaican citizen who owns or operates a business make a commitment to employ at least one extra person no matter how small the salary.
4. Let every Jamaican mother and father seek to adopt at least one child in his community and be a role model to him/her. The child does not have to live with you, but try to 'live with' the child.
5. Start requiring accountability from our government and others in leadership positions.
6. Let every Jamaican citizen try to make two new friends while forgiving enemies.
7. Make licensed firearms available to decent law-abiding citizens who might not own property or conduct business.
8. Set up sting operations to expose rogue police, politicians and other public servants.
9. Seek help from the United Nations to assist the police force with its intelligence-gathering capabilities.
10. Let us have a monthly national prayer vigil and social at Emancipation Park where Jamaicans of all walks of life can meet.
I don't pretend to know it all, but no individual, no sector, no group alone can solve our problems. It has to be an act by all. Whatever the course of action, let us not be driven by panic and lose respect for people's rights for no matter what, 'respect due'.
However, the people of goodwill cannot afford those of ill will to rob us of our future.
I am, etc.,
ANDRE A. O. WELLINGTON
Christiana Leased Primary
P.O. Box 6
Christiana
Manchester
