The Editor, Sir:

As a Jamaican living abroad, it is disheartening and scary to read The Gleaner every day to learn about the rampant crime and violence plaguing the country I love. I have many loved ones in Jamaica and am concerned for them each and every day. I echo the sentiments of Mr Montaque when he said "We want to live a long life, we want to breathe again. Crime has locked our society in a prison."

I am also in support of Peter Phillips to some degree when he said, "The severity of the punishment is not in and of itself a deterrent." It is a deterrent and should send a stern message that the Jamaican society will not tolerate extreme acts of violence and immorality. I agree we should also improve social interventions as a means of preventing persons from getting caught up in crime.

For those who still make the conscious decision to commit acts of violence, they should not be rewarded with long sentences for which taxpayers foot the bill. Examples should be made of them. The two-fold approach of retaining capital punishment (by whatever means) and actively exercising it and improving social interventions is the best approach in my opinion.

I am, etc.,

BRIAN JAMES

bpjames007@hotmail.com