THE EDITOR, Sir:

The crime situation has been at the top of current affairs for about 20 years non-stop. In the January 28 edition of The Gleaner, I note where a very concerned citizen laid out many positive strategies on how to conquer crime. Dear Doctor, I have read your article with great interest, seeing that I, too, am a very concerned citizen. Commenting on the theory side, when it comes to applications such as surrounding areas with police, soldiers and helicopters when crime has been committed, it may be okay to coordinate an operation of that nature.

Other circumstances point to the extent of unemployment; too many strong young people walking the streets. There must be some serious plan of action to create employment for more people. There is no need for anyone to say that 'young people do not want to work'; this is nonsense. That kind of talk is for a minority, a situation which exists in every country.

More wages

We are a small nation; we need to get as many persons earning some wages so that each may be able to make his/her contribution to revenue. Without revenue a government cannot be successful. I see where a minister has made the move to up the minimum wage. This, I hope, will give more people the desire to go after work.

I can hear the sceptics asking where is the money going to come from to pay the extra amount. The answer is, when people are earning they will also be spending more. Strong efforts should be made to create work groups for community farming, construction, road repair and maintenance.

The same vigour which is exercised to win an election, a greater effort should be directed at creating employment for the masses. The more time people spend earning an honest wage, the less time will be spent in idleness. Create some work, plant more food, eat more of what we plant, make more animal feed, more fertilizer. These are only a few of the easier ways to push crime from atop the chart.

I am, etc.,

SEIBERT DOBSON

Gayle P.O., St Mary