Dear Editor,

For the first time in recent memory the security forces appear to be having the upper hand against the criminal elements in the society, thanks to the recent police-military operations in West Kingston and the associated state of emergency in Kingston and St Andrew.

Suppression of the West Kingston problem has dealt a major psychological blow to criminal gangs throughout the country. It is heartening to see the number of alleged gang leaders and their associates who have surrendered to the police. While I laud the security forces for their efforts so far, Jamaica will not be safe until we are able to remove the weapons of destruction from the streets.

The sad truth is that there are more guns and ammunition in some communities than drills, saws, sewing machines and other tools of trade. There must be an all-out effort to get the illegal guns and ammunition from the streets. The time is ripe for a gun amnesty now that the security forces have stamped their authority and have driven fear into the criminal world.

Justices of the peace, pastors, lawyers, members of parliament, counsellors and community leaders should be asked to play a leading role in the amnesty. At the same time, every effort should be made to prevent the guns from coming into the country. In their attempt to remove the illegal weapons from the streets, the authorities must provide meaningful alternatives to the “shottas” and restore safety and security to communities. Let us strike while the iron is still hot. Let’s call in the guns.

Orville Plummer

oaplummer@yahoo.com