Dear Editor,

“Murder people inna broad daylight, six pants mi walk wid cuz di AK lite…” That is a line from a song done by incarcerated dj Adidja “Vybz Kartel” Palmer, glorifying brazen criminality.

The recent incident involving the robbery and kidnapping of some Chinese nationals in May Pen highlighted the calibre of weapons criminals are armed with; namely, AK-47s, shotguns and M16 rifles. The robbers had taken control of the supermarket with its customers, and used the proprietors as hostages as they made their escape in three waiting cars. The incident was captured on video by people nearby.

It has been reported that two policemen who engaged the men were shot and had to be taken to the hospital for treatment.

There was heavy criticism levelled at the feet of the May Pen police for not responding in a timely manner as they were blamed for the men escaping unscathed. The word on the street coming from the incident is that the police were outnumbered and outgunned by trained criminals who showed no fear in the execution of the robbery,

It is important to note that AK-47 assault rifles and shotguns are not a part of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s arsenal of crime-fighting weapons. The average officer on foot patrol carries a handgun, handcuff, pepper spray, and a baton. It is obvious that criminals are equipped, organised, and fearless, as the incident took place in the middle of the morning and less than 10 minutes from the May Pen Police Station. While we are saddened by the injury to the two police officers, we are happy that no lives were lost. This should send a strong message to the security forces that time and place doesn’t matter to criminals who are not prepared to wave the white flag.

Hezekan Bolton

h_e_z_e@hotmail.com