The Editor, Sir:

The act of deliberately murdering a four-month-old baby and a nine-year-old boy who was hiding in a cellar is nothing but barbaric.

On hearing of this inhumane crime, I was grief-stricken, and so I believe it was with every law-abiding citizen throughout the length and breadth of Jamaica.

As I write this letter, I am filled with emotion to see how this beautiful island of ours is being dragged down the street of iniquity. Something positive ought to be done and must be done speedily to put a halt to this our number-one enemy - crime and violence.

Prior becoming the Govern-ment, I have heard boastful speeches of having the answer to abate crime and violence.

Now, the ball is at your feet Mr. National Security Minister, so please justify it by issuing the plans to the Commissioner of Police for implementation.

I also take note of what was reported in The Gleaner on Saturday, October 6; regarding the minister's comments after the reprisal killings which claimed the lives of seven.

It reads thus: - "During this period I am expecting the security forces to stabilise the situation and identify the gang leaders and killers."

It is over a month now since the general election and crime and violence are escalating. What of the methodology to combat it? What puzzles me is that when the gunmen commit these murders, you don't see any roadblock or demonstration.

Mr. Editor, I believe that those who are against hanging, their eyes are now open to the fact that this should be revisited and pursued vigorously by the Government.

These career criminals don't care less whom they murder because they have no compassion and even seem hopeless to be rehabilitated.

I am, etc.,

E.N. PERKINS, J.P.

P.O. Box 415

Mandeville

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