THE EDITOR, Sir:

I have never dreamt in all my 40 plus years that I would ever become a refugee in my own country.

There is not a day that the lives of the innocent or not so innocent Jamaicans are not ushered out by criminal elements who seem to be in control of the country, and it seems from where I stand, that nothing is being done with any degree of alacrity to eradicate this problem by those who hold the highest offices of the land.

All that happens is more closed door talks, while our sons and daughters are gunned down like dogs. Who will be next before we say enough is enough? When will it stop? Is it when the guns are turned on the politicians, the big top notch? Is that when the urgency that is needed to curb this run-away monster will be addressed?

And, it was with a sense of irony and utter shock/amazement that I watched last evening news on TVJ (5/6/08) and saw where our newly appointed minister of national security was visiting two of our penal institutions and showing concern for those incarcerated. Whilst it is good that we remember our wayward brothers and sisters, we on the outside need the urgent attention Sir for mere survival.

Violent crime

Because I've never experienced this high level of violent crime before, it is pretty scary and I just feel like running. I have lived by the law of the land dutifully ensuring that I am a model citizen, but what profit is that to me when I am forced to live like a victim on the run?

Help, stop now!!!

I am, etc.,

CAC

Concerned and

frightened Jamaican