Dear Editor,

I noticed that on February 3 your cartoonist captured the gloating spirit of politicians of the two major political parties. Sir, as we see, most of St James’ violent crimes emanate from squatter communities created by politicians. Those are the only two highlighted but there are others around the island created to increase votes in those areas.

In a recent interview with police personnel in Portmore, St Catherine, they said that squatter communities are hard to police because of how they are set up. When killings occur in these communities everyone’s lips are sealed. These communities are later referred to as depressed areas where resources are scarce, infrastructure included. They are usually on gully banks and other areas prone to disaster. When it is time for development of the areas captured, the “do-good” politicians are usually seen on camera championing the rights of residence for these illegal settlers. They are also visible in the event of police shootings. I think they are not in the least perturbed when rivalry takes place even when they might be asked for funeral grants.

I believe politicians should be graded on the number of these informal communities in their constituencies as these have the potential to be garrisons, contributing to the high incidence of crime and fostering corruption on the part of the politicians. Communities adjacent to these squatterss are also at a disadvantage. The fight against crime would be bolstered if squatting could be brought under control.

Val Mac

vj0963@msn.com