THE EDITOR, Sir:

The Jamaican society is under threat. Our lives are being significantly impacted by crime and violence, and an unstable economy on the verge of collapse. Jamaica can be a crime-free jewel of the world, but fear has engulfed us and keeps us believing that we are destined for extinction.

Criminals have managed to drive such fear in our people that some feel hopeless and defenceless, and what we see now is a frightened and confused society suffering from low self-esteem.

Our politicians have become so rehearsed in stereotypical condemnation that their words have now become patronising and of absolutely no value.

If we as a people continue to accept the fact that we are overrun by criminals, our Government cannot protect us, and our economy is out of our control and vested in the bosom of the International Monetary Fund, we have signalled our surrender. This suggests that we would be contented sitting in a driverless bus with disconnected brakes speeding down a steep hill and heading for a precipice.

FIGHT MONSTERS

We need to rid ourselves of fear and make a concerted decision to fight the monsters in the room. Crime and the economy are more the common man's business than they are the Government's, although, theoretically, we vest them with the responsibility.

We need to unite for the common cause of defeating the monsters and we need to revolt against criminals - not by talk, but by action. We need to revolt against government inaction - not by talk, but by action. We need to join forces and stimulate our economy - not by talk, but by putting our money where our mouth is. We need to conquer fear.

JACOB FORBES

Cash Hill District

Cascade PO, Hanover