The Association for the Resettlement of Returning Residents (ARRR) commends Bishop Ronald Blair, Rev Al Miller, Rev Terrence Brown and others who came forward publicly calling for the reinstatement of hanging to curb the escalating crime rate plaguing our country.

We want to welcome them on board as for the last 20 years, we have been calling for the resumption of hanging.

We must say prior to articles published in the Observer dated October 22 and in The Gleaner of October 20, in reference to resumption of capital punishment, we were elated as we know it is the only way to cut down the crime rate. It's a fact that when hanging was the death penalty, the crime rate was controllable as murderers knew that if they were convicted of murder, they would pay with their lives. Since the last execution more than 20 years ago, the crime rate has spiralled out of control as these vicious criminals know that it is a slim chance they will get caught or if they do, they would only go to prison.

In our association, over 300 returnees have been murdered in the last nine years. These returnees aid in the building of our country, they contribute to the tourism industry and bring in much-needed foreign currency. Capital punishment is still the law in Jamaica and it is time for all of us to join in the fight to enforce the law.

The Government needs to act quickly regardless of outcries from local and international human-rights group, lawyers, some influential leaders and individuals aligned with Christianity and other religions. As president of the association, I am volunteering to join with the Rev Terrence Brown to hang them. It is my view that the hanging should take place in the parish town where the crime was committed to send a clear message to those who think they can murder law-abiding citizens and get away with it.

- Percival LaTouche, President - ARRR