The Editor, Sir:

Where is Jamaica going? With the enormous debt burden hanging over the country, it is rapidly being auctioned to foreigners. Look around and try to identify some things that we own. You may need an extra pair of thick lens, even the MVP track club is looking to migrate.

After being independent for 46 years, what are our achievements, a toll road that is not ours? There seems to be nothing to be happy about in Jamaica (except the athletes).

In problem areas or 'hot spots', as the police call them, are there any preventative measures in place for crime? Or the crime has to be committed first? Areas like Tel Aviv, Dunkirk, Maxfield, Canterbury, Spanish Town, Mountain View, Rema, Jungle, Canaan Heights and others continue to be plagued with violence over the years, putting residents living on the edge wondering if they are going to be next. Thugs are in the streets collecting extortion money from bus and taxi operators, without fear, in broad daylight.

The education system is in ruins, the only way there should be 40 students in one class is if there are four teachers. Why do we fight the end product of the problem (when children become criminals)? The crisis Jamaica is now facing is a result of how we treat the education system. It's the same high school dropout and gangsters who are on the most-wanted list today.

Is there anyone out there like me, who is sick and tired, and sick and tired of being sick and tired? In order for a better Jamaica, we need to demand discipline in the homes; speak out against corruption at all levels; clean up the police force and take a no-tolerance approach to crime.

Above all, let us remember; 2 Chronicles 7:14: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

I am, etc.,

HEZEKAN BOLTON

h_e_z_e@hotmail.com

Spring Village

St Catherine

Via Go-Jamaica