The Editor, Sir:

The majority of Jamaicans are alarmed at the way we casually accept the very high murder rate in this country. Many voices have been raised in repeated calls for strong measures to be taken to stem the bloodshed. The silence from our leaders has been deafening. They appear to be more preoccupied with retaining their positions of power. But in this time of crisis, I say that drastic crimes call for drastic measures.

Daily, the media tell us of the reckless trail of mayhem in our country. Last week, an 11-year-old boy was reported to have been sodomised and dismembered by youngsters a little older than him. In the name of God, what is happening in this land we love? What will it take for the Government and Opposition to realise that we are in a state of anarchy, where criminals appear to reign supreme?.

Death penalty

I once again call on the Government to enforce the death penalty. Return to the effective application of the cat-o'-nine tails for rape. I hear the moans from certain quarters already, that this type of punishment for extreme criminal activity is inhumane. Is anything more inhumane than the raping of a baby, the dismembering of a human, raping murdering and burning? Stabbing someone who simply went out to buy a meal? The United States from which we adopt certain standards of behaviour this year has executed 41 people in the state of Texas alone. Yet, here in Jamaica, we feel that we should not let the law take its course. I repeat. Drastic crimes call for drastic measures.

Senseless fight

While chaos is reigning in our land, some of our political leaders have recently engaged in a senseless fight over leadership of a political party. The money spent in this wasteful exercise could have been used to help in the fight against crime, helping the youngsters on our street corners.

We have been praised by the world for the recent accomplishments of our athletes. At the same time, we are shaming them, and, indeed, our country, by the murder rate. We have nowhere to escape to. Jamaica is all we have, and we are all that Jamaica has. This is our land. It cannot become a den of comfort for criminals. We must defend our country. Prime Minister Golding, Minister MacMillan please help us save Jamaica, land we love.

I am, etc.,

A GUY MORRIS

morrguy@gmail.com

Duncans, Trelawny