THE EDITOR, Sir:

DAILY, WE live in fear of our lives being snuffed out like the puff of a cigar. It is amazing that in many instances, parents are no longer trusting of their offspring, siblings fear each other, students fear their teachers, teachers fear their students, officers of the law fear each other, and civilians are no longer trusting of those who are supposedly officers of law and order. This is a vicious cycle.

Everyone seems to be shifting the blame. Officers of the law blame citizens for not coming forward with information; citizens blame law officers for excesses in their actions, and politicians for corruption and for fuelling the incidents of crime and violence. It all amounts to the blame game. But who among us is worthy of casting blame when there is so much good in the worst of us let alone the evil that exists in the best of us? Do we have to continue to live and operate in such a state? It is time we take control and begin a new search for solutions to remedy our situation.

As leaders, educators, politicians, employers and parents, we must be open to the critical evaluations of our practices and behaviour; though often, they are likely to hurt. However, as leaders bent on effecting change, we must be prepared for the revelations and be ready to take action to improve our situation. We can do this in our homes, in our schools, our churches, in our public, private and civic organisations.

The gangsters whom we fear are real strategists. They know when to strike and when not to. They know who to target and the impact of their behaviours. Are we too blind to see or too proud to admit that even in incarceration, the gangsters are strategising? If not, why are witnesses not coming forward? Is it that they are afraid that the incarcerated will get them and their loved ones, or is it that they fear that the information they provide will be leaked by those in authority to cronies who are walking freely?

Journey to renewal

The time has come for us to cease the creation of the sensational news and look within ourselves to see what we have done to create this situation in Jamaica, and move forward to improve our practices and behaviours. We need to get out there in the prisons, on the street corners, in the garrisons, and get the information needed to begin the journey to renewal. People do not want to live in fear. Our youth do not want to be gun-slingers, regardless of how some of us feel. Most of them carry out their acts and display behaviours to gain our attention, but are we listening to them? Are we willing to help them, or are we bent on ignoring their pleas? Do we desire to change the present situation in a country plagued with disorder? If our response is yes, then it is time to take action.

I am, etc.,

JOYCELIN CLARKE

jec105@hotmail.com

Auburndale, Florida