THE EDITOR, Sir:

AS I scan the newspaper and read about continuous grappling with legislation relating to crime, I am forced to wonder what goes on in the minds of our leaders of this country. Leaders, including the Opposition, and I wonder if the word 'opposition' is played out too well by its meaning, 'to oppose'.

Time drags on in Parliament as crime scurries to an all-time high, exploding into senseless and cruel acts of violence upon our nation and the future of our nation - our children. The situation also implodes and my soul wrenches at the pain parents go through when loved ones are taken away prematurely, without just cause.

Review range of punishments

I am not convinced that the extension of holding time for detainees will seriously impact on the crime situation if the court system continues to be backlogged; justice is not swift and prisons are not managed with a firm hand instead of like a perceived 'all-inclusive hotel'.

It was done differently when I was a child, the mere mention of the words jail or prison would have you shaking in your boots. Maybe we need to review the range of punishments and enact deterrents befitting these scurrilous crimes of today and to further ensure that the punishment is carried out swiftly.

The human rights groups, I am sure, had good intentions when they were formed with the right reasons for the right persons, but now seem to be an escape route for some persons.

Who or what does the criminal fear? We need to find answers and solutions which will perhaps have them shaking in their boots again. We must have them thinking twice before they decide to pounce upon our grandparents, parents and our children.

So please, let's get on with the business of solving crime.

I am, etc.,

GRACE LEE

choiceswestend@hotmail.com

Immediate Past President

Negril Chamber of Commerce

Via Go-Jamaica