Sitting ducks

I have now come to the conclusion that both our major political parties are dragging their feet in putting in place hanging for these dangerous criminals we have in this country. The police can do so much and good citizens are finding it so hard to obtain a firearm licence so we can protect ourselves and family. We are like sitting ducks to these criminals. Hang these criminals when they are convicted and hang them high so others will think twice.

- Sandra Reece, sandrareece25@yahoo.com.

Compensation for wrongly accused

Here is my suggestion in relation to the anti-crime bill, as it deals with the 60-day period of detention. There should be a provision to grant compensation for the wrongly accused, whereby this person should be compensated for income lost for the period held. If the accused has no proof of income lost, then one should be compensated with the minimum wage.

The reason I put this compromise forward is that it would be so sad if the accused was in fact innocent and held and could not provide for his family for a whole two months (60 days).

A family without their breadwinner, not being able to put food on the table and send their children to school would only breed further crime.

- Leslie Baugh, ebaugh@flowja.com, Via Go-Jamaica

Role of music

Jamaica, Jamaica, please wake up and do something. I think it has to start with the entertainers. They need to stop praising these so-called 'bad boys' in their music and start to advocate for peace and to let it be known that it is ok to talk to the police without fear of being called an 'informer'.

- A. Simmons, neilnawk@cox.net, Via Go-Jamaica

Raising kids

The programme aired by TVJ Wednesday night (October 1) at around minutes to nine 'Raising a Street Smart Child', was very informative and educative. It's not too late for parents/guardians to learn how to help their children talk about abuse, teach them not to be ashamed to identify their body parts, say no to adults without being disrespectful and play the 'what-if' game. I publicly ask for an encore presentation, so that all Jamaicans can watch and learn.

- A. Samuels, asbugs@yahoo.com, Kingston 19, Via Go-Jamaica