The Editor, Sir:

The latest proposal to combat the upsurge of crime across the nation from the PSOJ is both well-intentioned and useful, however it fails to address the deterrent component.

The real and more meaningful emphasis of any strategy MUST be placed on providing all the unarmed young men with a reason to reject the gun as their way out - this is to be achieved by maintaining the heat on the present crop as well as by giving the others a way to earn a living other than by the gun.

The answer is EMPLOYMENT. This drastic crime plan may control the present crop but it will not deter the hopeless and desperate, it will only strengthen their resolve not to get caught.

Eight years ago I called on the PSOJ to tackle that aspect of the solution. I invited 25 leading members of that organisation to a breakfast meeting under the patronage of Sir Howard Cooke, with Professor McIntyre from Columbia University, who was then engaged in the restoration of Harlem - look at Harlem today. My proposal was that in an effort to provide massive employment they should tackle the restoration of the City of Kingston.

I sought no personal financial contribution from them, seeking to rely only on their business acumen and the high regard the members, that I invited, enjoy in the politically tribalised atmosphere of Jamaica. I had suggested a source of funding - Government bonds, to which all Jamaicans at home and especially abroad, would be encouraged to invest US$100 at least - this fund to be administered by selected members of the PSOJ and one Government and Opposition representative. They all left the meeting pledging their support - alas! it was not to materialise. I received responses from Jamaicans in New York, Atlanta, Toronto and London who were enthusiastic about the idea.

The plans are on the table to cover the entire rebuilding of Kingston. The skyline of Kingston must be dotted with cranes, with our young, potential gunmen getting up each morning to go to work. Who knows, we may even be able to next raise funds to establish a National Military Youth Service to instil the discipline so sadly lacking.

Finally, as to the rural areas, Jamaica can feed herself in a crisis as well as several neighbouring islands, who cannot. The present race against hunger demands that we forthwith engage the skilled and unskilled young potential farmers in massive food production islandwide. I firmly believe that Jamaicans, who all love this little rock, will gladly invest US$100 at the prospect of a long-term fulfilment.

I am etc

HOWARD HAMILTON Q.C. J.P.