The Editor, Sir:

As the crime problem continues, the debate continues as to just what measures we need to implement to contain this national challenge.

One measure to engage more of our youngsters who hang around idly, as shared with a good Jamaican friend of mine living in New York, is for the government to consider training some of our young men for United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions. Most peacekeeping troops come from the developing world, from countries such as Bangladesh, Nigeria, Pakistan and Ghana. We could seek to become a contributor too.

Jamaica could seek the assistance of some of its international partners, such as the European Union, United Kingdom, United States, China, Canada and Japan, to obtain resources necessary to train and equip our young men for peacekeeping duties.

The training could be done under the guidance of our army, the Jamaica Defence Force.

We have a responsibility that all Jamaicans, irrespective of their geographic location and station in life, are made to involve integrally in mainstream existence.

I am, etc.,

KEVIN K. O. SANGSTER

sangstek@msn.com

New Jersey