Dear Editor,

The Jamaican society has been rocked by the shocking news of the rape and robbery of five females at Irwin Point in St James recently. The year 2012 is our Golden Jubilee, yet it has been quite stomach-turning. We have seen an increase in murder, rape, robbery and violence against our women. What is happening? The very fabric which should foster growth and development in the society has been torn apart. Criminals no longer feel that they are under an obligation to obey the law of the land. More so, even those who should protect and serve are themselves violating the law. I wish to suggest that these recommendations be put in place to stem the increase in crime and violence:

* Organise functional community watch programmes in all communities. In this way each one looks out for, and protects the other.

* Mobilise the security forces: security personnel complain about the lack of mobility and weapons needed to fight crime.

* Sensitise people about danger and how to react within certain situations.

* Implement the death sentence for heinous crimes.

The concept of situational ethics, as put forward by theologian Joseph Fletcher, is fitting. Fletcher states that in a certain situation it’s best for you to do the greater good and prevent the lesser evil. As citizens of Jamaica, we must take a stand; criminals cannot be allowed to feel as if they own the land or the lives of people. Hence, by implementing the death sentence we can curtail the increase in crime and violence.

When one man suffers for his actions, then others can look on and avoid making the same mistakes. Our politicians must play a big role by discouraging any garrison style of politics, where they will not give handouts but train their constituents to fish. The church will also have a key role to play. Most church leaders will have to drop the attitude that church and state should not mix. And hence help the state to continue in its fight against crime and violence.

Nicordo Wilson

nicordo@stu.ncu.edu.jm