Drastic measure needed to deal withcrime,MrPM

THE EDITOR, Sir:

BY ALL accounts, the country is in the doldrums and no political party seems capable to avert a disaster. Exterminating the crime monster is actually quite easy, but our leaders lack the fortitude to tame the beast. To stem terrorism, some countries have passed laws permitting terrorists to be imprisoned without trial.

Jamaica’s problem is domestic terrorism. Local gangs have succeeded in creating their own enclaves impervious to the rule of law. In effect, gangs are terrorist organisations, destabilising the country by recruiting youngsters to aid in the proliferation of murders and extortion.

Therefore, the Andrew Holnessled administration must be bold enough to institute the Internal Security Act (ISA), enabling the imprisonment of these terrorists without trial. Criminals in Jamaica are well known, but witnesses are often afraid to produce evidence, thus stalling sentencing. The Internal Security Act will solve this problem by convicting wellknown gangsters. Further, the Anti-Loitering Act will complement the ISA. The former will put a dent in petty crimes because it will become illegal for idlers with malevolent intentions to be in public spaces without a reason.

Mendicants who leave their homes to harass people ought to be removed from the streets. Policemen are well acquainted with these idlers who loiter and create chaos in public spaces. Hence, the Anti-Loitering Law will authorise the police to send such persons home. Those who refuse will be charged.

The Opposition and civil society may oppose these policies, but Andrew Holness must ignore his opponents. This administration must not allow idlers and vagabonds to ruin Jamaica.