Senior citizen Gertrude Richards being assisted in the cutting of her 98th birthday cake, at her birthday get-together on March 31, by one of her granddaughters. - Photo by George Henry

George Henry, Gleaner Writer

SPALDINGS, Clarendon:

Senior citizen Gertrude Richards of Sanguinetti in north-west Clarendon has expressed concern about the wave of crime which has been wreaking havoc across Jamaica, especially over recent months.

Mrs. Richards, who expressed her concern while speaking to The Gleaner at a party put on by family members to mark her 98th birthday, said she does not feel safe anymore in Jamaica.

'Not used to crime'

She said crime has put Jamaica in 'a bad way' and that something needs to be done to correct it.

'Miss Gertie', as she is affectionately called, was born at Spring Gardens in Trelawny on March 31, 1909 to parents Dawta Martin and Andrew Cunningham.

According to her, numerous killings, especially among children is a major cause for concern.

"I am not used to it (crime) at all. We did not grow up come see any murderer," she said. "All that is happening is because of some bad people who are in some bad company. We need to go back to God and beg Him pardon and stop from following Satan."

Miss Gertie said parents need to go back to the famil and have all their children take part in family devotions, ensure that they (children and parents) attend church on a regular basis and spend serious time learning the teachings of the Bible so that Jamaica can put the scourge behind them.

Teach manners

Mrs. Richards wants all young people to 'have manners', because according to her, if she did not have manners she would probably not be around to talk about her good past.

She said children should not only have manners with their parents and the elderly, but that they should try their best to be obedient.