The Editor, Sir:

The cure for Jamaica's crime problem lies in the reminder that Lana Finnikin gave as reported in The Gleaner of December 3. "Lana Finnikin, founding member of Sistren Theatre Collective, a women's organisation that works closely with inner cities, says Jamaicans need to make a sacrifice.

"Bob Marley said some of us will have to die for some of us to live, but how many of us are willing doing this? ... It's time for us Jamaicans to take a stand and be counted. No matter how many social programmes we have, they are not going to work until we all decide to stand up for ourselves.

"No one wants to die, and that is understandable, but if Jamaica is to be a better place, people will have to step forward to remove the sting of crime from their neighbourhood, and some of them will die."

Individuals must be willing to tell the police where the gunmen are located. Citizens must be willing to tell the criminals no, and take back their community by not harbouring the criminal elements in their midst.

Ministers of the Gospel must lead their churches in a march against violence, and these ministers must be willing to stay in those violent communities and hash out ways that they can use to begin to de-claw the criminals.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force needs to change its image and show itself worthy of the public's trust. They must use their brain far more than they use brawn in the fight against crime. The use of forensic skills, detective skills, and sensitivity in dealing with the public will help the citizens to see that police are not out to 'get them,' but are out to root out the criminal element in their communities.

The use of foreign soldiers is not the best strategy, as it suggests incompetence on the part of our police and our leadership. Furthermore, our soldiers are better trained to deal with civilians than are the soldiers of the United States, who have constantly been engaged in wars.

Jamaicans have the power to change their country's image, but unfortunately, few seem willing to make the necessary sacrifice to say to criminals: "You are in charge no longer. This is our country, and we will take it no more." Until then, the country will continue to be held captive by a few, while the many wring their hands in anguish.

I am, etc.,

GENE GIBBS

janbou00@juno.com

Dallas, TX