THE EDITOR, Sir:

Isn't it strange how Jamaica is now being lambasted by the great United States of America and its apologists within our shores for what is perceived to be a lack of will and/or ability on the part of successive administrations to tackle the lotto scam scourge?

I can clearly remember when there was an upsurge in gun violence - including murders - Jamaica begged, nay, beseeched, the US government to stem the flow of guns to Jamaica. Yet, there has only been inertia. Can someone tell me what effective measures were put in place by that great democracy to stem the wanton murder of our citizens?

We are not here saying that the scammers should not be caught and punished. What we are saying is that, since we are all equal (although I know that may be hard for some to accept), we must all do our part to ensure that both Jamaicans and Americans are protected from criminals, be they guns and drugs runners or lotto scammers.

The Jamaican authorities must have the testicular fortitude to pursue, apprehend and punish the perpetrators of the lotto scam. The American authorities must assist us in stemming the flow of guns into Jamaica. After all, we Jamaicans are just as important as the Americans.

FLOYD MCNABB

fnewtonmc@hotmail.com

Bridgeport, St Catherine