Tough crime-fighting measures

I'm a Jamaican citizen living overseas for the last 10 years and I am concerned about the high rate of crime that is plaguing the country. It brings tears to my eyes whenever I read or hear about it on the news.

I love Jamaica and would never trade it for anywhere else in the world. I would like to see some tougher measures implemented to curtail crime. I haven't heard anything more about the resumption of hanging. I believe this is the only method they can use to make criminals think twice before they commit their acts of violence.

Jamaica has so much to offer, in terms of foreign investment, if only crime could be brought under control. Our reputation throughout the region and the world has been tarnished. Let us rise up and be our brother's keeper and show the world we are indeed out of many, one people.

- Andrew Barrett

inglish84@hotmail.com

Anguilla, BWI

Cassava farmers need help

Five years ago I operated a small farm in St Elizabeth, planting cassava and other crops. I sold the cassava to a factory in Twickenham Park, which was operated by the Rural Agriculture Development Authority (RADA). The factory-gate price was $9 per pound.

Recently, I was in Jamaica and inquired about the price being paid by the factory. I could not believe that it's still $9 per pound. It is really ironic that the Ministry of Agriculture is encouraging farmers to plant cassava, while one of its agencies is treating them so unfairly.

The other disgraceful thing is that the bammies produced by this factory are available in the New York area at US$2.75 for a pack of two.

Everyone knows that the farmers expenses have skyrocketed over the period, so I hope this letter will be read by someone who can address this pricing anomaly.

- E. Wilkie

ew4541@aol.com

Bronx, New York

Shylock banks

Re 'End of affair with Jamaican bank', published on May 8, the writer is not alone in her sad experience. Several people whom I know personally have had similar experiences, including my spouse.

One important role of Government is to protect the people and this includes ensuring a level playing field in financial affairs.

I know of one instance where the 'bank' kept sending a bill to a deceased man after 'eating out' his savings by imposing usurious fees and charges. The distraught widow sent the bank the address of the cemetery.

Government should get out of bed with these institutions and act to protect the people. What is the difference between stealing a poor man's goat or cow and stealing by 'Shylockian' means?

The conduct of the banks is 'anancyism' at its worst.

- Louis A. Hemans

lahemans@aol.com

Hyattsville

Maryland