The Editor, Sir:

Jamaicans have been inconvenienced in many ways over the past decades by various proclamations, with some being contrary to the Constitution of Jamaica. Jamaicans have sacrificed in many ways to conform lawfully, only to have proclaimed activists or dons, as well as law-enforcement agents, impose their wayward lifestyle upon them.

To deprive Jamaicans of their freedom of lawful social assembly, to restrict and confine Jamaicans for extended periods under pretext/pretence of effectively constraining proliferation of criminal activities is giving power to law-enforcement officers to carelessly mistreat Jamaicans.

While authorities carelessly mistreat our people, criminals enjoy at taxpayers' cost, long vacations in jail, being able to have shelter, food, education, exercise time, clothing, with proper watch over them. What is needed is not extended detention, but expeditious submission of complete case files by investigating officers.

Courts should not be putting off cases over protracted periods at great expense to accused and victims. Attorneys need to prepare defence cases in time for court, and the prosecuting officers present cases likewise.

The longer witness statements take to be gathered, the less likelihood of obtaining a statement of a true nature. When persons are convicted, penalties must be executed swiftly. Execution of murderers should not be delayed. There should be pain inflicted by flogging for gun-related crimes, knives, machetes, bottles, stones, etc.; and for unnatural offences, execution. In these times, extraordinary punishment to keep security in order to have economic growth is required.

I am, etc.,

BANCROFT ANGLIN

President, Jamaica Watch

Spanish Town