THE EDITOR, Sir:NO JACKBOOT mentality will ever make a dent in crime and criminality here in Jamaica.
So building more prisons, arming the security and getting more transport for the police, just might contain the crime somewhat. The same pool of people that are recruited for the security system is the same type that the drug dons recruit.
The high-risk group of ages between 17 and 27 are the main ones that are criminally involved. These are the hugless, helpless and hopeless youngsters, who have no hope and most are from poor families.
Poverty and injustice are the main causes of crime, and whenever these two variables are dealt with, in a meaningful way, then our crime statistics will decrease.
Our youth need a sense of identity, focus and aim, and if they crowd the street corners without work, then their only means of support will be crime. When the police accost a youth, with a spliff, instead of imprisonment, that youth might have potential and should be guided along the right channel, for improvement.
As an ordinary Jamaican and seeing the negatives among our youth, I think the school-leaving age should be increased to 18 years, there should be a national youth service, and more government training centres should be established in every parish.
Every high-profile and affluent society has a poor neighbourhood on its fringes. The rich should adopt poor families, assisting with education and medical expenses where necessary. Bridge the gap somewhat, create love and trust and bring back the community policing.
Love, not war should be our theme or motto for change. Prayer without hard work won't help.
I am, etc.,
TREVOR RADWAY
Knapdale District
Brown's Town, St. Ann
