'Lewin must go?'
Kindly permit me to respond to Tuesday March 18 'Letter of the Day' by Mr Michael Spence, who dared to ask the rest of us to join in saying 'Go Commissioner Go'.
Since the announcement by the commissioner of police, that M16s will be replaced with a lower calibre weapon, he has been sung many songs of praise; though undeservedly so! I wish to register my discontent with what I consider to be an impulsive, irresponsible and 'brainless' decision by the Commissioner. This decision, though clearly in keeping with his personal popularity campaign, is certainly not in the interest of Jamaicans and most definitely not in the interest of the police.
It is very clear that Commissioner Hardley Lewin is 'at sea' to the criminal realities that confronts us as a nation.
This is not about reducing the firepower of our eternally embattled police force; it is about engendering responsibility, accountability and professionalism, it is about morale building. But then it takes 'brain' to recognise this. Maybe we should all join in saying, 'Commissioner Hardley Lewin must go'.
- Venesha Phillips, veneshaphillips@hotmail.com, London,Via Go-Jamaica
Traffic consensus
The transportation ministry has been focussing its energy on regularising the operators within the transportation sector. However, the question is , why place the requirements to become a legal taxi or bus operator out of the reach of the aforesaid individuals?
Charging exorbitant licensing fees will not encourage operators to comply but will instead act as a deterrent. The cure provided in this case is worse than the disease. All this has done is to increase the number of illegal taxi and bus operators. The stakeholders within the sector must sit and devise a workable plan which has benefits for all. Consensus must be sought so as to move the process forward.
- Astor Tate, astortate_205@yahoo.com, Via Go-Jamaica
Roadside garages
The Mayor of Kingston needs to look into getting rid of roadside garages. On Mountain View Avenue and Ulster Road which is a major intersection there is a garage at the corner which is a nuisance and traffic hazard to us the residents, and everyday citizens.
- A resident
