The Editor, Sir:

As the country reels from the onslaught of those who place little or no value on human life, the nation is witnessing a level of brazenness, never before seen, on our shores. We collectively ask the question: what is the leadership of the country doing to address the growing concerns of honest and hard-working Jamaicans?

Bruce Golding is the target of the nation's frustrations and, as prime minister, he has the ultimate accountability. The reality, however, is that neither Golding's administration nor, to any full extent, any prior administration, is responsible for the cheapening of human lives in our communities.

Rather, the people of Jamaica through their indifference and apathy, have allowed this monster to take hold and become a way of life for all of us. Our existence, as a civilised society, is now under serious threat, as we try to rationalise the senseless murder of our women and children.

Crime plan not the answer

Golding, the new minister of national security and the security forces cannot solve the problem of generations of urban decay with a crime plan.

A new crime plan by itself is not the answer. Various comprehensive plans have failed in the past and there is no reason to believe that any plan that does not address the root cause will meet with any success. Even with bipartisan agreement and cooperation, a crime plan is not the solution.

Rather than a crime plan, we should be looking at an economic reconstruction plan, that incorporates measures to deal with those who would undermine the foundations of a civilised society. The solution is an economic reconstruction plan, which will empower those willing to distance themselves from short-term economic gains, associated with criminal activities.

Assign corporate Jamaica to work

As a starting point, businesses must be asked to partner with a defined community for the purpose of fostering and facilitating sustainable structures.

A corporate giant such as Sagicor Life Jamaica Limited could be encouraged to adopt a six-square block area of a community, provide some part-time medical services, mentoring services and school supplies.

In the spirit of a non-profit organisation such as Habitat for Humanity, on weekends, these companies could undertake to help rehabilitate housing and other infrastructures.

We do not have to ponder the way forward at this time. Let us designate 20 communities in need of immediate reclamation, assign them to corporate Jamaica and begin the work.

I am, etc.,

KIRK BARROW

kabarrow@hotmail.com

Kingston 10

Via Go-Jamaica