The Editor, Sir:

I just had the pleasure/nightmare of spending six months on a project in Jamaica. While I had a rather pleasant experience over all, I have to comment on some problems.

What is wrong with the majority of good people (I met) to accept the outrageous amount of violence (causing death and bodily harm) to themselves and their neighbours? Start to open your mouth and do your part to get criminals convicted!

The discussion to do away with the death penalty, at this point is ill-received. While not being a death-penalty supporter, in general, myself, as far as Jamaica goes, at this point in time, I have some recommendations:

1 - (The moderate option) Start immediately again to impose and execute the death penalty again, publicly, at Coronation Market every Sunday, to set an example of what awaits capital crimes.

2 - (For the wholehearted) Perform, every Sunday, gladiator-like games! The death-row candidates will fight each other to death in a cage. The ultimate survivor goes on to the next week. If he "makes" it to the term of his imprisonment (as death-row candidate, that would be life anyway), he stays alive another week. Sell tickets for the show and, this way, raise money to finance school and community projects, while setting an example what awaits criminals! Make sure it is broadcast on national television (to afford more benefits, consider pay-per-view options).

Last, but not least, deregulate the requirements for citizens to own a gun. It is absurd that law-abiding people have to jump all kind of hoops and loops to acquire a permit for gun ownership to protect themselves while, at the same time, any hoodlum can go downtown and buy a gun of his flavour within 30 minutes.

Just the potential threat of robbing somebody, who highly likely possesses the firepower and means to successfully protect himself, his loved ones and his possessions would most likely result in a reduction of crime. Add adjusted laws and regulations - 'It's my property, I defend it with actions necessary' - without fearing penalties for actually shooting an intruder. Now, Jamaica would be on a path to control and reduce crime!

Is my view politically correct? - NO! Would it be approved by everybody? - NO!

Would Jamaica face problems with other countries and interest groups (promoting 'sensible' procedures, that might work in their countries) - Yes.

But, face it, the death penalty is still, legally, an option! While it should be erased from Jamaican law at a later time, right now it is a tool to guide Jamaica back to acceptable living conditions and community values.

I am, etc.,

J. STEUBEN

jsteuben1967@yahoo.com

Wellington, New Zealand

Via Go-Jamaica