The Editor, Sir:

We Jamaicans are experts at talking about our problems but are weak at diagnosing and solving them. The problem of crime is a case in point. For years now, the country has been beset by an ever-increasing crime problem, even to the point where we are now regarded as the murder capital of the world.

Our approach in the main consists of changing ministers of national security, appointing new commissioners of police, establishing specialised police squads and a raft of anti-crime measures. It is obvious that this approach has not worked and will not work.

With all these interventions and changes, the crime problem has got progressively worse. It is obvious the problem of crime is not crime. Crime and violence are symptoms of deeper social, spiritual and moral problem. Crime and violence originate from the breakdown in the family and social order of the nation.

What we need, therefore, are effective strategies geared towards addressing parenting, male irresponsibility and underperformance, values and attitudes and the dismantling of garrisons.

There is, therefore, an urgent need for a ministry of family and community affairs to address the rapid degeneration in the homes, communities and the wider society.

I am, etc.,

ORVILLE PLUMMER

oaplummer@yahoo.com

Kingston

Via Go-Jamaica