I AM a Jamaican living in Canada and I have to say with every trip home to Jamaica I am concerned about my safety and that of my family. This sentiment is shared by many living abroad. I love Jamaica very much. However, I do not feel safe. If I should return to the Caribbean region for good, which is highly probable, Jamaica is way down on my list of places to live.

Think about the lost revenue and jobs that a decision like this could have on the economy. Let me break it down. Say I want to build a house. I have to hire people. I want to have a nice garden. I have to hire people. I will need food, gas and the list goes on. Multiply this by all the people who share this sentiment. The figures are in the millions of dollars. This is what the level of lawlessness (1,400 mur-ders already this year) is doing to our land we love so much.

Death penalty: a deterrent

Retaining the death penalty will not totally solve the problem, but it might deter somewhat. Other ways I think we can curtail crime are by educating our children, creating jobs for at least one member in every family, a better trained police force and visibility (having more police stations).

I am, however, for the death penalty, provided there is a fair and just trial.

I am, etc.,

Concerned Jamaican Abroad

livonneil@yahoo.com

Via Go-Jamaica