NOTE-WORTHY
Published:Monday | April 19, 2010 | 12:00 AM
Barriers to crime fighting
I am convinced that there are some major barriers to fighting crime in Jamaica. It cannot be that over the years, we cannot find a police chief who can bring the necessary management to the force to rid the society of the high crime rate.
Over the years we have had persons entering that office with exceptional training and track record to make a difference and we are all aware of their efforts by the end of their assignments, and therefore we must ask the question, what are the barriers?
Based on snippets of information from the press, it appears that there are a few pieces of legislation needed that will assist the police and the justice system in the overall management and reduction of crime; and so the question is, why are these not debated and acted on?
It is really scary and suspicious when a country like Jamaica, in this modern age, shy away from using DNA evidence in our court system ... how come?
- Carlton Fearon
Bloomfield Gardens
Mandeville
Worrying plant signs
I am a small farmer in the Red Hills, St Andrew, and, like a lot of people on this globe, I am sceptical or even afraid of some of the latest technical and scientific stuff. The culprit for this letter is genetically modified plants (GMP). This is just my opinion from what I see as a bush layman.
Of my 44 years, 26 have been spent working in this area and I have observed the gradual changes. At this point of writing I see a high percentage of natural-growing plants, edible and otherwise, showing signs of ill health beyond the ordinary.
Depending on the causes (I suspect general environmental problems), how widespread this thing is, and the potential for continuation in current direction, I think, maybe, to strengthen our defence against starvation, we need to take GMP very seriously, especially for future generations.
- Donald Sangster Brown
St Andrew
Vulgar posturing
The vulgar posturing from our politicians can no longer hold out against our country's failures and scandals. The intrigue and lies surrounding one man wanted in the USA on gun and narcotic charges pale in comparison to the creative abilities of our prime minister to drag out this unfortunate saga.
We read about other extraditions, and wonder how many were sent off with US marshals based on phone taps.
Christopher "Dudus" Coke is indeed the man of the hour. He appears to hold such popularity in Tivoli, and with such prodigious energy that he, indeed, is a force to be reckoned with.
Our prime minister is apparently trying to convince his constituents in Tivoli that he is doing the right thing over the extradition request for Mr Coke, but our PM's repudiation of his responsibility to what is the right has left Jamaica with a question mark at the end of it's name, and this is of concern to all Jamaicans.
Dr MICHAEL LEON