THE EDITOR, Sir:

Forgive me for not responding to the call to wear black on Friday, September 28, 2012. Yes, we are a nation in mourning, but we have mourned long enough. This is WAR! We need a call to ACTION!

Good God, man! We spend so much time skirting around what REALLY needs to be done, and then think that wearing black and being quiet for two minutes is enough? And then what? We go back to wearing whatever colour and chatting about the dance party attended at the weekend?

Jamaica, if you really want to stand in solidarity with victims of crime, REPORT THE PERPETRATORS. Be an informer!

If there is an ongoing investigation and you have information that can lead to the criminals being brought to justice, do not shy away. Too many criminals walk free because there isn't enough evidence or witness statements to hold or convict them.

Do not dodge jury duty!

Hold our MPs accountable! Lobby for them to speak up and advocate for legislation that increases protection of victims and the wider society while making criminals pay for the crime. Lobby for them to vote on TOUGHER SANCTIONS! Let your MPs get sick of your letters and phone calls asking them to stop playing politics and start making policies!

Stop making excuses for corruption, no matter how small and insignificant it seems! Crime originates in the cracks of the system. Don't put up with it!

Stop buying/airing/sharing music that supports and glorifies criminal acts.

And for heaven's sake, DO NOT BE SILENT! Being silent is the last thing you want to do for a victim of crime. As a matter of fact, we're all made victims whenever a crime is committed. Rape victims, victims of domestic abuse, murder victims - they've already been silenced.

Speak out, Jamaica! SPEAK OUT!

DURIE DEE

mizd2u@yahoo.com

Toronto, Canada