The Editor, Sir:

I read your paper almost daily since our family of six will be visiting Jamaica for the fourth straight year this December. I have to say next year, we will be on a cruise instead. Reading the stats and stories of murder, rape and police corruption have changed our minds.

I haven't even told my children stories of what I have read. Sure, yours and everyone else's economy are bad and so crime is up. But, the torture and kidnapping and rape and murder of kids! Wow, don't expect people with children to visit much longer. Don't expect people to drift off the resorts to spend money. And don't expect tourist dollars from decent tourists after dark unless you support children, your children. If you don't, then say goodbye to families like ours that have spent thousands to visit your country.

I am a retired sheriff's deputy who still works teaching a programme called DARE in the United States. I have worked with children, thousands of them for years. Your country is finally scaring me. I will watch and read how your country handles the murderers and decide if we will ever go back. It's a shame, we loved your decent people and beauty and had planned on making it a yearly getaway for years to come.

For this last year, it likely has come to an end. Shame!

I am, etc.,

RICK SAGER

Il USA