Dr Ford's folly
Published:Friday | April 23, 2010 | 12:00 AM
The Editor, Sir:
Although it has some good points, Dr J.V. Ford's letter published Thursday, April 22, is fundamentally flawed. The idea of a controlled don is a misnomer. It is laughable to think that a don can truly be controlled. Is it not clear that our current circumstance is due to the facilitation of garrison politics?
If not, we are in serious trouble. Should a country ever be in a situation that we rely on individuals who are known criminals to keep peace and order in a section of our society?
The writer even suggested that contracts be given to these "community leaders" to distribute work to people in the community. How does Dr Ford suggest we do that without, in essence, giving money to support criminal activities?
Government needs to govern
There are quite a few things which I disagree with but I will not be long-winded. The fact of the matter is that the garrisons need to be dismantled as they are the reason we are in this predicament. Our Government needs to govern. Our Government needs to ensure that it is seen as the best answer. The Government is responsible for keeping the peace and ensuring its youth have options and avenues to 'let off steam'. If it cannot do that and instead hands over its responsibility to 'dons', then it has in essence ceded its authority to rule.
The sad truth is, however, that may have already happened.
I am, etc.,
O.M.