Dear Editor,

As a people of a powerful nation let us unite to reignite the culture of love, kindness, and brotherhood in Jamaica, land we love for 2023.

While the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) implores Jamaicans and tourists alike to immerse themselves in the music, art, dance, entertainment, and history to gain an appreciation for our culture, it is important for us to perpetuate an environment in which Jamaicans are willing to work together to create a harmonious society.

Will crime and violence ever stop? Will we ever be able to sleep with our windows and doors open again? Will Jamaica ever become the place where we want to live, work, and raise our beautiful families? So far there are already over 16 reported murders. What is even scarier is the fact that I am starting to feel scared to go on Instagram, Twitter, and even to watch the country’s major television stations as the news items are unbelievabley violent in nature. Foreign countries continue to warn their nationals to stay away from Jamaica or be careful when visiting our land of love and irieness.

The “Jamaica, no problem” mantra is steadily diminishing in value, spent by the non-stop violence and killing of our brothers and fathers, wives and mothers, sisters and children, grandmothers and grandfathers, and foreign nationals. Come on now, we need to stop it!

In this era of technological advancements, why are we so backward in our approach to solving crime. Why can’t we invest in the brightest minds, the latest technology, and the best analysts to tackle crime and violence? This is the time for less talking and more action.

As for the Government of Jamaica, what are the new year resolutions for crime fighting. It cannot be that we are going to experience another year of bloodshed, murderers, narcotics trafficking, human trafficking, extortion, nepotism, gang violence, corruption, and blame-gaming.

While Valiant sings about “bounce cheque”, we need to do a crime check for Jamaica if we want more investments, less brain drain, and more wealth as a nation. It is the time now for us to power Jamaica into a mecca of growth, prosperity, and low crime rates.

Karen McFarlane

karmac1980.km@gmail.com