THE EDITOR, Sir:

It is very clear to me now that letters to the Editor, voicing of opinion on talk shows, Peace Management Initiative intervention between warring factions and other social interventions seem obsolete to curtail the ills of crime and violence.

What we need is a peaceful demonstration against the scourge of murders by all law-abiding citizens in every town and village from Morant Point to Negril.

The question by us all is how long from now will these perpetrators cease from carrying out the rage in Jamaica, land we love? It is more evident that we must join hands, hearts and voices to reduce our fears to enjoy that long-ago tranquility.

I have said it on many occasions, and I'll continue to trumpet it, that the feminine gender can contribute to the cessation of the continuous murders.

Speak to your friends

Therefore, I am appealing to those who are in any way connected to tell their male companions, brothers, sons, uncles and friends who are creating the mayhem to desist and let them know that enough is enough - I need no more blood money etc, etc.

The country's hottest topic right now is the issue of crime and so we are hearing many and varied opinions from men and women of high calibre in forums on the television debating this subject matter.

We must also be reminded that the political power craze can be presumed as a root cause for some of the lawlessness.

The burden is on the shoulders of the security forces to rid the country from the siege of the gunmen, but we must not forget that without our assistance they are, to some extent, powerless.

No reluctance

I read in the print media quite recently where the police commissioner said that there will be no reluctance on the part of police to use deadly force when necessary.

But, on the other hand, if this act is being done out of necessity and, inadvertently someone who is not directly involved is shot and killed, the policeman or woman would be dealt with harshly by the state without the required protection.

The layman's input on crime prevention must not be overlooked by the authorities; hear their voices and read their suggestions because the voice of the people is the voice of God.

Although the storm is raging, let out prayer be: fear not for he draweth nigh.

I am, etc.,

E.N. PERKINS, J.P.

PO Box 415

Mandeville