This country is too soft on crime and as a result, the criminals are winning; they definitely have the upper hand.

Criminal activities in places like Spanish Town are a perfect example. When your country is dubbed the 'murder capital of the world', that is nothing to be proud of.

When your country is regarded as one of the most corrupt in the world, that is nothing to sneeze at; and when your country is referred to as the trans-shipment centre of illicit drugs, that is not something that should be taken lightly.

This is not an indictment on the current government because they inherited much of these problems. It is an indictment, on the country as a whole for allowing things to get out of control.

Unrealistic goal

The police commissioner is seeking a five per cent reduction in this year's murder rate, which translates to about 80 fewer murders of the 1,600-plus that occur annually.

Even though this might be a little unrealistic, his goal should be zero tolerance of murder. He has said that things are likely to get worse before they get better. Last year, over 200 people were murdered in one month alone. Mr Commissioner, how much worse can it get?

The security minister is advocating that 'community leaders' address Parliament on crime. He has lost me completely there. It seems as if the country has surrendered to the criminals.

The Government should equip the police with all the necessary tools to fight crime. Gangs should be outlawed. Gangs should be infiltrated by the police.

Take country back

Politicians and criminal dons cannot be friends. The same goes for the police officers and prison warders. You cannot work with or for a criminal thug, because it would only compromise your authority and put yourself and fellow officers at risk.

Can we take the country back? Yes, we can - and we should.

I am, etc.,

NOEL MITCHELL

Nlmworld@yahoo.com

Westchester, New York