The Editor, Sir:

Churches targeting garrisons is not the solution to the high crime rate. After all, high crime rate and poverty are not limited to the garrison communities - they are occurring all over the island. The Government needs to create more jobs, community programmes and opportunities for the younger generation.

I originate from one of these garrisons, in Spanish Town. After graduating from school, however, there were limited employment opportunities available. We did have a few sports and community programmes available to us, which kept us out of trouble. If the churches, the Government and even the citizens who have had the opportunity to migrate would give back to the community in ways of after-school programmes - community development programmes, etc., this could make a difference to the young people all over the island.

We started a drive in our community to collect school supplies annually and acquire donations of football supplies, which benefit a primary school and football team in Spanish Town. There are also considerations for an adult education programme, which we hope to get started in the near future. It is positive actions such as these that we need to extend to the communities. Therefore giving the citizens hope for a new beginning.

I am, etc.,

FRANK COCHRANE

tallp@aol.com

Chicago, IL

Via Go-Jamaica