The Editor, Sir:

Over the years, there has developed a phenomenon in Jamaica where state-owned vehicles are being treated as personal gifts from the state to assigned personnel.

Has the justice system been so caught up in looking at large crimes that they just bypass the 'petty' disorder of Government workers? I am puzzled and concerned. Who gave us the idea that if we work for the state, then the vehicles that are used for the daily running of that state organisation's business is ours to drive home?

There needs to be more stringent rules put in place to prevent a public officer from driving a state-owned car to his or her home unless specifically granted permission. What happens at hours of the night when that vehicle is needed?

We have also learnt how not to take care of state property. We handle them anyhow; drive them to a wreck and then park them. Would we do that with the ones we worked so hard to buy? Wouldn't we fix that crackling sound before it starts to bang? Is it because no one individual is responsible for fixing it? We have a famous saying 'a fi mi tax money a fix/buy it'.

We need to learn how to conserve state funds, in the same way that we conserve our own money by opening various accounts, buying shares, and putting some on fixed deposit for future use among other things. Let us acquire the caring spirit and think of our brothers and sisters.

Regulations

Are there any laws that preclude police officers from taking a police vehicle home? And also are there any regulations that hold officers responsible when they drive a vehicle to a 'wreck'?

My suggestion is that if rules are in place then they should be enforced. Treat state-owned vehicles with the utmost care as you would do for the one you bought and help to conserve state funds. We need it in times like these.

I am, etc.,

N. LAWRENCE

natashalawrence2@yahoo.com

Excelsior Community College

Kingston