The Editor, Sir:

There are many reasons for an upsurge in crime: the breakdown of family, lack of social services, lack of employment, poor education, garrisons, and the list goes on. These ills must be addressed, over the short, medium and long term.

But when a building is on fire, you don't stand back and wonder if there is a fire extinguisher near a doorway, or if there is a smoke alarm in place. You find water and try to put out the fire, and then seek to determine why the fire started and how to prevent a recurrence.

Right now Jamaica is on fire! And the people think that one way to help to put out this raging fire is to execute the monsters who kill for money, or turf, or seemingly for fun.

There is something else for our leaders to consider. I sense a deep and angry resentment against what is happening - a sense that the system is not working - an expressed feeling that if you want justice you will have to take it yourself; look no further than the violent slaughter of the praedial thieves. The people are filled with a sense of injustice.

A sense of equity

In this regard, the country needs to get back a sense of equity. Too many murderers are walking free, and when they are caught, they may get a life sentence, with a big chance of parole, so they can walk out of prison free and strong. Meanwhile, the families of the many persons they killed still grieve for their lost loved ones.

The people want justice.

I am, etc,

SEEKER

Mandeville