THE EDITOR, SIR:
I CAN'T help but add to the commentary on the ongoing and ever increasing violence that has enveloped our country Jamaica. It has become crystal clear that either some are so far removed and so insulated from the realities of the effects of the downward spiralling of this country into chaos, that they are unable to understand the frustration with which Rear Admiral Lewin spoke.
The crime situation in Jamaica is every Jamaican citizen's business and every Jamaican has a role to play in dealing with the reduction and elimination of crime in our society. Fighting crime and violence in Jamaica cannot be only the Government's responsibility.
HANDS-OFF APPROACH
It would also appear that some quarters in Jamaica have taken a hands-off approach in dealing with the escalating crime and violence, and are only prepared to criticise the security forces in their effort and sometimes even obstruct them in carrying out their duties. I am not certain if those of us still living in Jamaica have a real sense of how this escalating situation is viewed abroad, and how it is affecting the country's economy, but I can tell you, it is scary.
I must agree that people holding offices such as leadership roles like the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition and Rear Admiral Lewin, must be circumspect in their utterances and behaviour at all times. They cannot afford to be overtaken by emotion. Whatever they say must always be carefully weighed.
I am etc.,
C. BENNETT
lonelygroover@hotmail.com
Toronto, Canada
Via Go-Jamaica
