The Editor, Sir:

The most important aspect in solving crime in Jamaica is to first identify that it requires collective effort. The minister of national security, the police commissioner and the chief of defence staff by themselves cannot solve crime in Jamaica.

Until all Jamaicans, regardless of class, political affiliation, education and social background, decide that they want to be one less Jamaican to be murdered, then the crime rate is not going to change.

The media also have a role to play in solving crime in Jamaica. I believe that they focus too much on alleged eyewitness statements whenever there is a controversial killing involving the police. This type of publicity causes the public to be biased towards the police.

Each Jamaican has a role to play in solving crime, whether by reporting incidents, testifying, performing jury duty or by just giving some suggestions.

We ignore them

Too many times, we identity illegal activities and we ignore them. Child abuse, carnal abuse, the sale of illegal substances and extortion, these activities are clearly displayed in some communities and no reports are being made to the police. I believe that we have accepted these activities as the norm.

It's about time we all come together and take a stand against crime. Each individual needs to decide that there has to be change. We need to stop waiting on someone else to do something about crime. We have a responsibility and a right to make a positive change in our country and work towards a common goal, and that is to "be one less Jamaican to be murdered".

I am, etc.,

T. PERKINS

tmzai@hotmail.com

Via go-jamaica