The Editor, Sir:

A number of us continue to lament the sky-rocketing crime rate in Jamaica. This continues to amaze me because in the first instance, if we can identify the source of these weapons, and second, if we can identify the residences of those doing the shooting, then it should not be a puzzle as to how we can solve the problem.

Can we identify how these guns enter the country? Of course. We need people who are working at the various ports in Jamaica to do their jobs. Too many Jamaicans can be easily paid off to pay a blind eye to the guns when they enter the country. The Government needs to spend some money to identify culprits at these ports and punish them! If Jamaican workers cannot do their jobs at these ports, let us get some foreign workers who will do it better. Mark you, I do recognise that there are loyal port workers, but we need to get rid of the bad ones who continue to allow these guns into the country.

My second point: Where do these gunholders reside? Every gunman has a home and a woman. (I have yet to meet a gunman who is gay). Are you telling me that these women have no regard for the well-being of their fellow Jamaicans? Obviously not. I would, therefore, suggest, Mr. Prime Minister, that you start by giving incentives and offering protective services to women and family members who are willing to come forward and report their men.

I am, etc.,

COREEN HEREMURU

denco05@yahoo.com

3185 Patrick Henry Drive

Concord, NCH