Find a new approach, Ja
published: Thursday | July 29, 2004

THE EDITOR, Sir:

JAMAICA'S APPROACH to policing is a panicking one. My family, including my son, is at present in the UK. My son has two toy guns which look very much like the real thing. In Jamaica he would have been a big threat to society. He takes his guns to school or wherever he is going. No panicking and no warning from the police or the citizens. Jamaica's children are not allowed toy guns. If Jamaica manufactured guns, the factory would have closed down long ago.

Countries like USA and UK produce guns, but at the same time have a better control on at least gun crime than Jamaica. One of the things I notice in England is the use of cameras. Cameras are everywhere. They are used to monitor movements of people and vehicular traffic. I bet the UK policeman has less stress, gets better paid and has a better all-round support and infrastructure than his Jamaican counterpart.

These cameras are small and discreet. If these cameras are strategically placed, they could protect and prevent their own destruction by possible vandals.

We can't just be borrowing new money to pay back old creditors, we need to earn it now. The crime must be controlled and the economy must grow. Its about time we try something else.

I am, etc.,

PATRICK ROWE

patd1rowe@hotmail.com

Via Go-Jamaica