The Editor, Sir:

Imagine that the Government of the country has employed the best that money can buy to help solve these horrendous crimes. In fact, based on the salaries of these individuals, comparatively among the highest among public servants, these persons are expected to be nothing less than nation-changers.

Now imagine, that, in the first report of crime-fighting plans for the new year, the objective is a measly five per cent decrease in the number of murders, no specific aims for other crimes and absolutely nothing planned for the reduction of extra-judicial killings.

Well, we need not imagine, for this is the reality of Jamaica today.

Too small for comfort

Police commissioner, Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin, was quoted in television news reports as saying he aimed to reduce the murder rate by five per cent, with an on-the-spot "or more" addition, after what seemed like a realisation that that figure was far too small for comfort and it would probably look like he and the others would continue to do absolutely nothing.

Five per cent equates to 80 fewer murders for 2009. That means that if the rear admiral's main and only objective for 2009 where crime is concerned is met, Jamaica will have only 1,520 murders in 2009. Well, that is comforting, right?

Slight attitude

Not even slightly. But not only are the commissioner's projections 'slight', but his attitude is less than acceptable, to say the least. In response to a question posed about his plans to address extra-judicial killings, the commissioner said we should talk to the human rights activists to determine whether or not the problem was improving, then we should return to him. This was said with a 'lot of attitude' to speak colloquially.

Now, Mr Commissioner, it does not matter that the incidence of extra-judicial killing is on the decrease. It would do a lot of good for our nation if it were reduced even further.

Mr Commissioner, you have a major role (not just a job) to play. Go back to the drawing board, change that defeatist attitude, and let us attack together this monster called crime.

VALCIA ELLINGTON

babyval2001@yahoo.com

Stony Hill

Kingston 9