THE EDITOR, Sir:
I am a Jamaican living in London and crime was one of the reasons for migrating even though it wasn't as bad as it is today. My question to our leaders is: How long can we survive like this?
Have we analysed what it would mean for the society if crime were to continue on the upward trend? Have we any estimate of the sociological and psychological costs?
I am sure you have received hundreds if not thousands of correspondence from Jamaicans at home and all over the world on this issue. Whenever you meet another Jamaican and ask the question: How is it back home? The answer invariably goes: Everything is fine and things are improving, but the crime is bad and I felt scared during my visit. I personally know several Jamaicans who are afraid to come home especially elderly people. Some who had planned all their lives to come home for retirement are forced to change their minds and go to Southern Spain, France or Florida to live out the rest of their days in alien lands.
I refuse to give up on my country because of a few thugs. Jamaica is one of the most beautiful places on earth with varied scenery combined with a resilient and friendly people. We are really blessed so let's fight back and recover our inheritance. We have no choice we just have to do it for the generations to come. Migration and cowardice is never the answer.
I am, etc.,
AILEEN CAMPBELL
London
