THE EDITOR, Sir:

JAMAICA'S CRIME problem is no joke. Our country has the second-highest per capita murder rate in the world, with a population of 2.7 million and averaging about 1,500 murders annually. Who is going to be left? And the larger question is, who will be spared?

I commend the prime minister for now taking the initiative to stop this madness, albeit late. The problem, though, is that Government must take the reins of leadership and lead from the front and, in the process, unpopular decisions must be made and, in the end, the country benefits.

Stand firm

The prime minister and his team, along with the security forces, must recognise this for what it is - terrorism. They must not cede an inch. What he must not do is allow the criminal rights groups to have any influence on his decisions.

Those of us who play by the rules and obey the laws must not be held captive by those who choose not to do so. The so-called rights advocates and others need to get experience on security matters before they are given a say in the way our nation's security is handled.

I am, etc.,

MICHAEL BECKLES

excellence3@verizon.net

Bronx, New York

Via Go-Jamaica