Dear Editor,

The United States has a no negotiation policy when it comes on to terrorists and their diabolical activities.

In Jamaica, much of the gang-related, cold-blooded criminal activities could be described as being terroristic in nature. As such, our legislators must be careful of how they offer ameliorative crime-fighting solutions, which may, on the surface, appear to be legitimising the wanton existence of gangs in the country, instead of their elimination.

The daily news reports provide chilling accounts of various shootings and murders in many communities; and no parish is spared. Everywhere you go you see police and security guards, yet the bloodletting continues.

The monster of crime is on the loose in this beautiful country. It has taken over the lives of many young and unattached youth, even our teachers are now being attacked by these youngsters.

It is against this background that I think that those in authority should send a no-tolerance signal to the criminal elements in our society, instead of seemingly compromising with them. Indeed, utterances from our legislators should not be ambiguous. They should not give the public any reasons to think that they are in the pockets of gangsters.

Jamaica at 60 needs to be free of criminal violence. People should feel comfortable to go about their lawful business without cowering in fear. Local and foreign investors should not have the massive financial burden of securing themselves and their properties because of the threat of terrorism. These negative activities deprive the country of much-needed jobs and foreign exchange.

I think that Governor General Sir Patrick Allen was correct when he said that, “There is nothing wrong with Jamaica that cannot be fixed by what is right with Jamaica.”

In fact, if we are really serious about being a country with sustainable social and economic developments, where the rule of law is the principal mechanism which governs its people, then we must come together as one united Jamaica against all forms of criminal activities and political corruption.

After all, this country should be a place where we all aspire to live, work, and retire.

Norman “Teacher” Collins

Kingston

normandellacollins@yahoo.com