The Editor, Sir:

There is the recent report in an international magazine depicting Jamaica as the murder/crime capital of the world. What a disaster! With all the numerous countries and cultures in the world, why this small island? We should all hang our heads in shame.

We cannot allow this negative reputation to prevail for any length of time. The matter of social and moral reform has to be accorded priority attention. It is incumbent on all Jamaicans to assume a role in a reform process as it is in our personal and national interest to reverse this negative image of our beloved country.

Our Jamaican relatives and friends living abroad are most distressed about our situation. Many say they will not return to the country to live.

Commission needed

Starting from the top, a commission consisting of government and private sector representatives ought to be established to:

a) Undertake an analytical review of the causes of the problem;

b) Identify appropriate approaches to resolve these problems; and,

c) Embark upon practical and realistic programmes to effectively address the matter.

An appropriate theme based on acceptable moral values should be established, disseminated and pursued through all institutions, including the Church, schools, service clubs, community organisations, the police, social and economic organisations, etc.

Sensitising the people

This theme, including relevant programmes to sustain it, should be pursued relentlessly in all these organisations so that in addition to law enforcement, the sensitisation of the people of the need for a contribution to the reform process becomes a reality.

For example, pastors should include it in their sermons; teachers should instil appropriate values within their students; parents should be persuaded to instil it within their children; service clubs should promote the values in their meetings and community programmes; community organisations should instil it within their residents; political representatives should instil it within their supporters; the printed and electronic media should make regular presentations on the matter, etc.

The theme should not only be a password. Appropriate programmes should be initiated to supplement it. Other concepts pertinent to the matter should be presented and pursued relentlessly in pursuit of this 'Renewed Jamaica'.

All other countries face the same challenges as we do. So, why are we at the bottom?

I am, etc,

ALFONSO F. JACQUES, JP

Padmore

St Andrew