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Clear the air, Jamaicans for Justice!

THE EDITOR, Madam:

IN A letter published in your newspaper (August 24) a Ms. Margaret Hodges of the Jamaicans for Justice attempts to take me to task for comments I made regarding an increasing tendency of tar-brushing the country's security forces.

For the records and for emphasis, let me repeat my position.

I believe that the single greatest deterrent to investment in Jamaica at this time, is the crime situation. I do not however, believe that tar-brushing of the police force has any place in the solution.

The answer to criminals and growing criminality cannot be to discredit, demoralise and demotivate the entire security forces.

Yes, Jamaica's security forces do have bad eggs. Police brutality is an ugly reality in many countries of the world. And, while not for a moment condoning police brutality in Jamaica, we must seek to treat the bad eggs individually and accordingly.

It is unbelievable that so many are quick to tar-brush all policemen when incidents of police brutality happen and in the same breath wonder why criminals are becoming so bold and brazen.

This is the type of response that is apt to make both victims and policemen feel they have no human rights to defend.

It is a recipe for the type of retreat that could only make matters far worse.

As one who has worked and operated business in the inner city areas for more than two decades, and one who makes attempts to identify with and find solutions to some of the daily problems facing the poor in such communities, I take strong objection to and view with much suspicion many of the Upper St. Andrew efforts which seem to make a circus out of the real tragedies of the poor and disadvantaged.

I am, etc.,

DOREEN FRANKSON

Managing director

EdgeChem

3 Carifta Avenue

Kingston 11

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