The Editor, Sir:

Oftentimes we hear that illegal guns are the root of crime in Jamaica. I beg to differ. The root problems affecting Jamaica for the past several decades are far deeper. A few are: the breakdown of the family; the lack of a positive value system; greed and corruption, involving rogue cops and public workers issuing fake licences; neighbours hiding criminals; the politics of the early '70s from which we are now reaping the fruits; and, illiteracy and marginalisation of young males.

The proliferation of illegal guns makes them the primary weapon used to carry out crimes.

While the inflow of guns must be stopped, it is equally important to remedy the problem at the real roots, because if not, criminals will simply resort to using another weapon to continue their mass destruction.

I am, etc.,

G. CAMPBELL

kofitafari@yahoo.com

Cayman Islands

Via Go-Jamaica