THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE DEATH of the reputed 'One Order' gang leader has raised several issues that the state and its citizenry need to address.
The society needs to decide what are its priorities. We must understand that if you support lawlessness as articulated by some supporters of the 'One Order' gang leader the lawless will turn their guns on you. Each individual has a responsibility for himself and his children. Too often supporters of lawlessness view these men as providers for the community and themselves.
Your community may be safe but they are preying on others to provide for you. Values are changing but understand that when you reap the benefits from the proceeds of drugs, guns and other illegal activities the users will one day wreak havoc on you.
The state must act to deal with offenders because the inability to capture and prosecute individuals involved in illegal activities (who are roaming freely without fear of being caught) encourages others to continue.
POLICE NEED SUPPORT
The police need our support and they also need our help. The reality is that witnesses to crime are being murdered, thus the use of technology and forensics in crime-fighting is the way to go. The fear of being killed is causing witnesses to retreat.
The courts must be fixed so persons will have a swift and fair trial. Without justice and effective enforcement crime will remain rampant. Opportunities must be provided so persons can be gainfully employed and those who are incarcerated are rehabilitated. The prison system is producing more dangerous prisoners who hone their craft behind prison walls as they have nothing to do. The approach to dealing with the increasing problem of crime must be
holistic.
We need to understand that an illiterate nation is harder to govern. People create havoc because of their inability to think and articulate their problems and issues, so they resort to violence.
I am, etc.,
J. RICKETTS
jenrob@cybervale.com
Kingston
