THE EDITOR, Sir:

We have been fighting crime with the same weapons, using 'the mighty hand' for so many years. Yet we cannot solve the problem. I do not think it takes rocket science. I did not go to school and earn a master's degree in criminal matters but I know that we have only 3,000 to 4,000 persons behind bars in a country that has a population of about 3.5 million. Most of these persons are in minimum security.

Most of the crimes are committed by persons between 16 and 30 years old. What does this say to us? We have young men who have not been loved or educated. Most of these persons do not have a father or a mother and most have no one to turn to. If we gave them an opportunity in life, I am sure that 90 per cent of them would give up the gun and better themselves. Why can't the large corporate companies and private sector entities that have the resources put their money where their mouths are? I know that there are companies that do a lot now, but it is still not enough. It's easy to drive a big car and live behind bars and security and forget that the same persons we chase from our cars are the same persons we will run from one day.

Reform programme

I propose using the new stadium that we have built to start a reform programme. It can be used as a venue for youngsters, who do not have anyone to care for them, to attend weekend seminars, training camps and motivational classes funded by the private sector. Camps and facilities can be set up for these sessions and persons with influence and experience can donate their time for a few hours a month to make a difference. Persons who are incarcerated for small crimes can also attend these seminars with proper supervision.

This project might take some thinking out but I am sure that if we show persons that we care and give them the love and teaching that most of us had, we would see a huge reduction in crime. Why did I not take to crime? I was cared for and educated by both parents.

Push for casinos

It will take a few dollars compared to what it will cost us in the long run. If we could reduce our crime in Jamaica we would not need to push casinos so hard; not that I am against casinos, which if done the right way, can also help our tourism.

We have tried everything except hanging. I hope that we will try love and care and go into every community and try and touch the hearts of all persons so that they will take to the book instead of the gun.

I have many ideas and would be happy to sit on any crime-prevention committee as this is my country and I must understand why persons take to crime and once I understand that, I can solve it with the right resources.

Jamaican people can change; they can come out of poverty and they can be educated. We show the world wherever we go that we are the best in sports and music, so why not show ourselves and step up to the plate and make a difference for all of Jamaica?

I am, etc.,

PETER SHOUCAIR, JP

Kingston