Go after scammers and cybercriminals

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I offer my sincere and wholehearted support to Prime Minister Andrew Holness and National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang on the continuation of the states of public emergency (SOEs) in the parishes where they have been declared, including my parish of Westmoreland.

Westmoreland has had a serious problem with increasing levels of murders along with a high rate of scamming, identity theft and cybercrimes. Many scammers from St James have migrated to Westmoreland and are carrying out their nefarious criminal acts. There are a number of dangerous criminal gangs operating across the parish.

It is important that the security forces spare no effort in going after these scammers and cybercriminals who are causing untold damage and are involved in all forms of criminality, including murder and the guns-for-drugs trade. These criminals are ruthless, senseless, and are dangerous.

OUT OF CONTROL

As a former local government parish councillor serving four terms in past years, I am quite aware of the scandalous crimes that those scammers and cybercriminals have been doing. Every single one of them must be thoroughly investigated, prosecuted and brought before the courts. They must be apprehended and, where necessary, sent to the United States to face such serious charges.

They are out of control in Westmoreland and across western Jamaica, and are damaging the reputation of this country in many negative ways. They are really like a sore in this country, if the truth be told, and anyone found hiding these scammers and fugitives must also be arrested and prosecuted for aiding and abetting them.

We also commend the police commissioner and chief of defence staff and hope that the SOE remains in Westmoreland until the major crime producers are held, charged and convicted for their crimes.

FRANK L.R. MANBORDE