The Editor, Sir:

I write to applaud Elaine Cooke for her letter published January 3 and The Gleaner for giving it the prominence it deserved by making it their Letter of the Day. On hearing the news item about the three men 'punished/murdered', I was appalled and like Ms. Cooke wondered why there was no public outcry. On reading her letter, I was heartened that at least there was someone else in this country who felt that jungle justice was not appropriate behaviour.

Too often I have sat on verandas and heard how necessary it is to "bring back Reneto Adams or someone who can wipe out the criminals". I fear for Jamaica if we resort to that type of behaviour as we may one day find that we are the perceived criminals, oppressors or whatever other categories of persons who need wiping out.

Victim

Some may feel I write this way through idolism and ignorance, but I too have felt the pain of violence. My father was murdered in the '70s while on a neighbour's veranda, yet my husband and I made the decision to return and give our daughter Jamaican values and a Jamaican upbringing. We have never regretted this decision and hope that the lack of outcry was due to apathy rather than heartlessness.

I am, etc.,

CARROL CHIN LENN

Kingston