THE EDITOR, Sir:
A RECENT 'Letter of the Day' outlined the feelings of a lady who had lost her son to gunshots. She expressed her extreme discomfort at any sound resembling gunshots. There are now thousands of persons in Jamaica who have had similar experiences and share similar feelings.
Every holiday season, some inconsiderate Jamaicans take delight in the torture of their fellow citizens and unfortunate animals, using firecrackers that mimic the sounds of gunfire. This is against the law but it continues with full knowledge of the police. Surely it is time to apply the law and put a stop to this irresponsible and childish behaviour.
Last Christmas, I had the unhappy experience of watching a neighbour's beautiful house burned to the ground as a result of children playing with fireworks. Other countries have experienced massive loss of life and destruction of property from accidents with fireworks. Surely, the public fireworks display over Kingston harbour is sufficient for those who want to watch fireworks.
Last year, the police in Portland set a fine example by seizing fireworks from vehicles entering the parish. This resulted in a peaceful Christmas for the people of Portland. I ask the police islandwide to enforce the law prohibiting fireworks, so that the citizens of Jamaica and our visitors may have a better chance of enjoying a quiet and peaceful holiday season.
I am, etc.,
Dr. MARILYN DUFF
Kingston
