THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE MINISTER of National Security seems to be constantly trying new ways to combat the alarming murder rate that is crippling the country.
Prime Minister Patterson must realise that even though there may no rational explanation for the crime rate and even though there is no simple solution to the wave of criminal activity, there is no escaping the fact that it is under his stewardship that the present situation has arisen.
If he is concerned about his legacy, then he has to commit the resources and will of the government to reduce the high level of crime in the country.
The prime minister cannot genuinely boast of the government's policies which have made cellphones accessible to all when the ownership of cellphones has caused people to lose their lives.
It is useless to give people houses through Operation PRIDE when people are afraid to live in some of these communities.
It is pointless to build Highway 2000 if people become too afraid to leave their homes to use the highways.
Education reform will be pointless if children cannot travel and learn in safe environments. A Caribbean Court of Justice will be nothing more than a white elephant if witnesses are too afraid to testify in court.
The time has come for the government and the Opposition to accept that the country is facing one of its worst crises since the abolition of slavery.
The government has to divert the resources and exercise the political will necessary for the country to be placed under martial law and the full force of the army and police used to flush out these criminals.
The civil liberties of the people will have to be sacrificed for the good of the country. Mr. Patterson, you have brought significant progress to the country, but your efforts will go to nought if you fail to deal with the issues of crime and violence.
I am, etc.,
JUNIOR FARQUHARSON
jflawoffices@aol.com
5546 West Oakland Park Blvd.
Lauderhill, Florida
Via Go-Jamaica
