Dear editor,

The gentleman, Dexter Pottinger, found brutally murdered in his home, seemed to have been well loved, well respected and admired by many in Jamaica and abroad judging from the overwhelming outpouring of grief and support shown on social media.

What is very troubling however, is that neighbours heard cries for help and screams of “murder” in the middle of the night (according to news reports), and did nothing.

Have we lost our sense of humanity and compassion? A cry for help does not mean you go outside and try to resolve the problem not knowing what is happening. If you hear cries of distress, you can at least call the police.

Looking outside the window, if it is safe to do so, you could perhaps see crucial evidence which could assist the investigation.

How can we curb crime, if people don’t try to help each other and help the police? Yet those who heard the cries, thought nothing of it, did nothing, until days after when the body was found then they decide to speak out.

And for those who find the time to cast judgement on someone they don’t even know, in the midst of a tragedy like this, they need to pause and do some serious self assessment.

Another promising young life, one with so much talent was snatched away by selfish and vicious criminals. What should be of utmost concern is that these criminals unless they’re caught soon, will continue roaming the streets searching for their next prey. Wake up Jamaica! We cannot continue like this, murder is murder and hate is hate, no matter how you look at it.

P Chin