One of the things that I notice the police in Jamaica are lacking is options. If they cannot control the situation by peaceful means, the only other option is a gun.

The truncheons I have seen are 19th century wooden ones with handles like a sword, worn across the back. An extending truncheon can flick out and disarm a man with a brick. There is also pepper spray which could be used to subdue a struggling criminal. There are also Tazars that immobilise criminals via an electrical charge.

These options would allow the apprehension of suspects who could provide invaluable information. They would also reduce police-related deaths.

- David Shenfield, 65 Connington Crescent,London E4 6LB UK

Oliver at large!

I am very pleased to see that Oliver has got the recognition that he deserves. On any given day, here in the United Kingdom, those of us from the Jamaican community can be seen going on to You Tube to catch an episode of our favourite Oliver At Large.

It gives us the chance to have a laugh and, despite the fact that you might have seen it time and time again, Oliver still rule!

- Deborah James, debralex50@hotmail.com

Aylesbury, Buckminghamshire, United Kingdom

Who will pay?

Who will pay for the free health care and free education? While I think we should give free health care and free education to everyone, the reality is that Jamaicans cannot afford it.

The best we can do is to reduce the cost where possible. We must start to think long-term if we are to have a brighter future.

- Christopher Campbell, camo4@charter.net

A second chance

Everyone makes a mistake at some point in their life and should be given a second chance. I think it would be better to have an abortion, rather than give life to a child, after which he/she is mistreated, molested, uncared for and suffer mentally, physically etc. It's a woman's body; she must, therefore, have rights to her own body.

If a pregnancy becomes life-threatening to either mother, foetus or both individuals, that should not be the only reason for an abortion. An unplanned pregnancy is not always the fault of the woman. What if she is raped?

- KC rohanbjm@yahoo.com,