I find it rather inconceivable that any well-thinking person would support the widespread issuance of licensed firearms to the Jamaican people. We are talking here about a nation with an obsession with guns and killing. Many Jamaicans whom I know to carry a gun, have boasted of the amount of "boys" that they killed - whether they be police, soldiers, security guards, or ordinary Joe Citizen, licensed firearms holders all boast of killing a "boy". Therefore, it seems a common practice for those with guns to gain 'respect' by killing someone.

Guns bring out the monsters in our fellow citizens, because someone with a gun in his/her waistband is not likely to say "please", "sorry" or "excuse me". Now he or she has the means to be arrogant.

Not the answer

More guns in the hands of the populace is not the answer. More education is. So is more fight against corruption, and more accountability on the part of elected and appointed people.

Those who are pushing for greater proliferation of guns are doing so to cover up their inadequacies, because they are scared and clueless as to how to lead. Arming the citizenry will only serve to compound the already dire crime situation in Jamaica. Therefore, what Jamaica really needs is fewer guns in the hands of criminals and citizens.

I am, etc.,

EVERTON EASTWOOD

everton.eastwood@bge.com

Maryland