THE EDITOR, Sir:

There is a disturbing tendency among our leaders, who, by their inaction, laziness and lack of planning, have facilitated a free fall to nowhere. This probably seems a little uncharitable and hyperbolic, but how else can we explain the propensity for knee-jerk responses to the many crises with which we have had to contend? This time, the nation recoils in horror as little Ananda has her life senselessly snuffed out by some evil beast and, immediately, we wake up to the need to change the police policy regarding how soon they can respond to a missing person report. Did not we have ample time, after a myriad of similar prior cases, to revamp this inane policy?

Heightened fear

Witnesses to murder cases are slain with conveyor-belt regularity, frustrating the course of justice and, thereby, heightening the fear levels in the country. This, as high-fee, attorney-emboldened murderers are released on us to perpetrate their reign of terror, while the law-abiding majority cowers. Do we need knee-jerk action to re-evaluate and overhaul the failing witness-protection arrangements and evidence gathering and use procedures? Will it take the death of a bigwig witness to rouse us into action? Surely, we can wrap our collective minds around a more protective, confidence-inspiring and effective arrangement with greater safeguards for the potential witness.

Government ministers and public servants, who are paid from the public purse, need to justify their keep by offering forward planning, critical thinking and vision that is compatible with addressing the needs of a terrified, frustrating and aching society. They need to be felt, as well as civil society, where it matters most. We expect much more than 'knee-jerkism'. We need greater evidence of strategic cranial engagement in the nation's interest.

I am, etc.,

WAT CHING

wat.ching@yahoo.com

Kingston 6