The Editor, Sir:

I recently read an article by Robert M.W. Kempner on the German national registration system, in which the Government uses the registration system as a means of police control of the population.

Can we achieve this in Jamaica? I believe we can. I think that the Government should institute a system of accountability for Jamaicans that protects, against gunmen and others that are wanted for crimes in the island. I must commend Prime Minister Golding on the effort to get identification for all inhabitants of Jamaica. I am hopeful that this can be used as a means to fundamentally restrict the movements/activities and so forth of known bad men, and of our lawless citizens and their ability to commit crimes.

I believe that the Government should also provide financial incentive for the retrieval of guns off the street. If the incentive is enticing enough, it will appeal to many people in the society and they will turn them in, if the price is right. The financial incentive should be incorporated into the nation's budget to reward people that do the right thing (turn in guns and criminals).

We need honest people who would like a change from our current situation, where we are burdened by crime, and consumed by fear, to get involved and save our island. There needs to be more dialogue between Jamaicans and well wishers, both at home and abroad. Jamaicans living abroad should not have to visit Florida, The Bahamas, and The Dominican Republic and so forth, when they need a break because they are fearful to return home because of crime in Jamaica. Instead, we need to start fighting for our birthright that is being stolen by a few.

The process

We are sitting on our 'gold mine' (such as the gold mine of tourism, export, and the skills of our young people) and we need to start drilling. Yes, we can combat crime in our island; yes, we can be a part of this process. Senator Obama's support comes in various forms, from one dollar to thousands of dollars. There are so many Jamaicans at home and abroad that need to be a part of the process.

I think that those who can send one dollar, two dollars, a thousand dollars and so forth, should start sending money back to our island. This will not be a presidential election fund, but rather, a 'Crime Fighting Fund'. Let us all do our part. If you live in Jamaica or abroad, we should start sending what we can. No one is asking you to give $1,000, but if you can, do it. The Govern-ment can't do it alone. Let us build this war chest against crime in our island and take back Jamaica from the criminals.

I am, etc.,

SHERRY SOUTHE

ssouthe@hotmail.com

New York

Via Go-Jamaica