THE EDITOR, Sir:
AS A Jamaican living and studying overseas, I am left pondering how the country could expect to get foreigners to come to Jamaica and enjoy the Cricket World Cup in 2007 and also reassure peaceful local residents that it is safe in Kingston, when there are headlines in the local newspapers talking about impending wars in communities such as Rockfort.
For some time now, areas such as Mountain View and Rockfort have caused nightmares for peaceful citizens while thugs take over.
With the impending ICC Cricket World Cup, what is the Ministry of National Security doing to quell warring factions in these communities?
WHAT IS GOVERNMENT DOING?
How can the Government expect people to take chances to visit Jamaica in the midst of local gang wars that spill over onto main thoroughfares (e.g. Windward Road)?
What is the Government doing to reassure people that thugs will not spoil the enjoyment of people's experience in Jamaica? Why is it that the police can't camp in these areas to ensure that children can go to school and people can live peaceful lives?
It seems there is a total disregard for law enforcement. The police of Jamaica must take back these communities from the thugs and make the quality of life acceptable to peace-loving citizens.
Over the last couple of years, I have read, observed and listened to concerned Jamaicans in New York and Michigan as they voice their concerns about the state of the worsening crime situation in Jamaica.
The high crime rate in Jamaica has literally become a state of being and a way of life, in a sense the expected. How is this possible? What is being done to save our island?
WILL BE DEEPLY DISAPPOINTED
Jamaicans abroad as well as foriegners are afraid to visit Jamaica. People do not feel safe in Jamaica, especially in Kingston.
I am afraid if the crime situation is not dealt with swiftly, the organisers and the Government of Jamaica will be deeply disappointed with the turnout for the Cricket World Cup in Jamaica.
More importantly, the long-term implications on people's psyche, due to the continuing growth of crime, will have serious effects on Jamaica's tourist economy and further the brain-drain from the island.
I am, etc.,
AROUTIS FOSTER
foster74@msu.edu
East Lansing
Michigan
Via Go-Jamaica
