The Editor, Sir:

I am a Canadian citizen who made his first trip to Jamaica in July, 2005. I am married to a Jamaican woman, and wanted to connect with her roots, so that I would understand and appreciate her and the culture of Jamaica, to a greater degree.

It was a wonderful experience. From the busy streets of Kingston, to the beautiful hills of Trelawny, I was seduced by all of the wonders of your wonderful country.

I was greeted by all of the Jamaican people I met, with great respect, and a desire to make my stay a positive experience. I became so interested in Jamaica, that I read The Gleaner on the Internet every night. I fantasize about buying land there, and building a residence.

Letter on crime

With those thoughts in mind, I concur with a recent letter to the editor, decrying the violence, and crime of what is probably only a small percentage of the people. It breaks my heart that such a beautiful country should be held hostage by criminal elements using violence and murder to achieve their ends. It is my fervent hope that all levels of government will come together, and if necessary, seek outside help to cure this cancer that is eating the heart out of Jamaica.

I'm told that Jamaica has the most churches per square mile of any country in the world. Maybe they need to mobilise, not just in prayer, but as a powerful lobby group to hold the feet of the levels of government to the fire until justice and civility, which is the real character of the Jamaican people, overshadow this terrible blight on your wonderful country.

I am, etc.,

VIC POLSOM

vicpolsom@shaw.ca

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Canada

Via Go-Jamaica