The Editor, Sir:

The news of the alleged assassination of Douglas Chambers appears to once again shock a sleeping nation to its senses, or has it? Every few weeks, we go through the same cycle where a prominent citizen is murdered and there are numerous condemnations, then we all crawl back to our slumber.

Mr Chambers, it is said by those who knew him, was intent on performing a service to Jamaica by cleaning up one of the many corrupt and politically plagued public entities. Unfortunately, we are witnessing what happens when those who have benefited from the institutionalised public troughs feel the threat of change.

The people of Jamaica and its governments, past and present, are to take full responsibility for allowing this scourge to go unchecked for decades. Every Jamaican knows that corruption rules and nothing gets done without illegal payments. So, every participant or facilitators of such transactions are party to the corruption infestation and resulting murders. Therefore, if we are solemn about Mr Chamber's death and wish to honour his memory, it is no better time than now to take serious steps towards reforming our society, starting with our government and political systems.

The first step in this process is for Government to relieve the Jamaican taxpayers of the burden of keeping afloat entities such as the JUTC and others that serve as employment clearing houses for political cronies. Here is a perfect opportunity for the present government to move from rhetoric to irreversible reforms. Honour Mr Chambers' contribution with a more effective government and better security.

I am, etc.,

VINTON M. GRANT

rugsdat@ppeoj.org

Washington, DC

Via Go-Jamaica