Dear Editor,

Your July 8 editorial headlined ‘Equip the police with more technology’ was right on target!

The senseless killing of young Khajeel Mais has left many Jamaicans at home and abroad speechless and numb. Reality is, it could’ve been anyone in that taxi; it could’ve also been someone in another car.

A life taken for a scratched car? Where are we heading as a society? These perpetrators are bold enough to commit these brutal crimes, yet they run so fast, hiding like cowards afterwards, not brave enough to stand up and face the consequences. This unfortunate tragedy is definitely not the first, but it is time we wake up and fully assess the situation seriously. We must now use it as a turning point for Jamaica.

As your editorial pointed out, now more than ever there is need to invest more in police technology, especially hidden CCTVs at major points and major intersections. The private sector should also assist. We have always felt the Jamaican private sector could be of more value by investing in long-term social solutions, rather than simply sponsoring all these entertainment events.

Using CCTV is no longer a privacy issue, it is a necessity, an issue of personal safety and being able to allow decent, law-abiding citizens to go about their lives in peace.

We also need to start using the law to investigate people with questionable wealth. Jamaica is a small place, suspicions cannot be ignored. Articles in the media on this particular case have raised questions about massive wealth-building. While we know that in many cases it will be legitimate, we also know that money is the root of all evil.

Banks and other institutions can no longer blindly accept large deposits, or ignore massive, questionable transfers. So many other organisations can report suspicions — real estate brokers, car dealerships, insurance companies. As for licensing of firearms, perhaps it is also time to revisit that issue, too. The entire system needs overhauling, tightening up of personal background checks.

As the investigation into this murder continues, the police must be highly commended for their superb level of professionalism to date and even the support they have reportedly offered the grieving family.

Khajeel’s mother said in a recent interview she felt like her life hit a full stop. Sadly, most Jamaicans felt the same way. We will never know why these things happen, but young Khajeel must’ve passed through this life briefly for a reason. A young life, gone too soon. RIP.

P Chin

chin_p@Yahoo.com