Dear Editor,

I hear people criticizing the security taskforce which you and your administration have put together, trained, and put into operation. But I thank you Mr Holness for delivering on your election promise to fight crime.

I will not remain silent as those who speak against this joint force operation against crime voice their opinions as if they speak for all Jamaicans.

Yes, I do believe that unemployment is a big factor in the cause of crime, for poverty does breed crime. But many people choose to be criminals rather than being productive individuals who contribute to this nation by using their talent and opportunities presented to them.

Criminals (gunmen, drug dealers, area dons, extortionists and gangs) have plunged many communities in Jamaica into stagnation, oppression, fear, poverty, exploitation and abuse (physical, physiological, sexual, emotional and financial). Not to mention the very horrific image of this beautiful, vibrant and rich island and its people that these criminals portray to the world.

Mr Prime Minister many Jamaicans are flat out hypocritical, including human rights groups (which seem more concerned with the rights of criminals rather than that of law abiding citizens) and the negative response to the task force by a former high-ranking police personnel and members of the Opposition.

They complain about the high murder rate and gun violence in Jamaica, and now that you have taken steps to attack these criminals and the hopelessness and hardships they bring to innocent people and the negative impact they have on economic growth, some are complaining. And, if you do nothing they complain.

My advice to you sir is continue doing your thing despite the critics.

I am glad that you have married the military and police force to fight these criminals. As long as the rights of law abiding citizens are not breached I am pleased with your actions, including the reward of cash for guns.

Thank you and your team and the members of security taskforce (police and soldiers) who are actually on the front line fighting these criminals.

When the government is tough on criminals many people will think twice about pursuing criminal activities for fear of the retribution they will face in the courts.

Sir, I have challenged your logic concerning several things but this special security taskforce, which you and your team have put into operation I support fully.

The Zones of Special Operations taskforce is a good thing and I believe it should be expanded to operate in several communities simultaneously.

Mr Prime Minister, I thank you for taking a positive stand against crime in Jamaica. Thank you and your team Sir for creating this task force to fight crime, defeat the criminals and make the environment safe again for decent citizens and visitors to this nation.

Donovan Brown