We are just not having any significant impact on crime, otherwise the results would be evident. We are paying lip service to it but we are not giving it the attention that it deserves. Some people would disagree, particularly those involved in national security and justice, but if we ignore the fancy speeches, we are faced with the reality.

'free health care'

We spend a lot of time criticising 'free health care', but how can it have the desired results when the victims of crime and violence are always in the hospitals using up the resources? No wonder the Blood Bank is frequently in urgent need of supplies.

We spend a considerable amount of money advertising and promoting tourism in an attempt to lure visitors to the island when it is crime and violence that is standing at every hotel gate, airport and cruise-ship pier, scaring visitors away. Just look at Cuba, next door. They consistently beat us 'street and lane' when it comes to tourist arrivals, and this year is no exception, and they are not blaming any failure to attain their targets on the three hurricanes that battered the island last year - and certainly not the 50-year-old economic embargo or any global meltdown. Any day that the embargo is lifted, it is going to hurt us.

Crime and violence continue to be the biggest deterrent to investment (local or foreign) despite the laudable efforts of the relevant stakeholders. It is the biggest concern for returning residents wishing to come home, particularly in light of the global recession. It is a real threat to the education system, and hence the future of the country. It is the main reason why we would not be far removed from where we are right now if there was no global recession.

We need to get rid of the reputation of being the murder capital of the world, fast, otherwise, we are not going to cope very well with the external challenges, which are yet to come. We have a lot going for us but we have to make a serious commitment to give this problem the attention that it deserves.

I am, etc.,

VICTOR E. NUGENT

PO Box 206

St Ann's Bay