The Editor, Sir:

It is always interesting to read news from home, but some of it is so depressing and disturbing. Notable are the killing of members of the Constabulary Force and the murder count of more than 1,000.

A news item, 'Murderers preying on returning residents' has been happening for some time. Because of this, a large number of us in the diaspora think it not fit to return to Jamaica to live permanently.

These murderers and the thieves seem not to realise that we, in the diaspora, supported Jamaica in 2006 by contributing US$1.049 billion which is 18.3 per cent of GDP. At the same time, my family and friends who choose to reside in Jamaica should not have to be constantly living in fear.

The fact is that what is called the 'garrisons' in Jamaica is an utter shame, knowing that this has been supported by politicians of all stripes.

When will our Government come to the realisation that our country is at war: the criminals against the citizens. When this happens our Government should call a state of emergency and have the army out in full action because this is a full scale war. How long must this continue!

Yet, at the same time, we are promoting tourism.Why are we advertising and promoting tourism in a country that is not safe; or are we, in the diaspora, to believe that visiting tourists are better protected than our friends and relatives who live in Jamaica.

I am, etc.,

A Disturbed Jamaican

deliasmorgan@gmail.com

Calgary, Alberta

Canada

Via Go-Jamaica