Massacre in Tivoli Gardens

• Massacre in Tivoli Gardens

The Editor, Sir:

Since the prime minister's announcement that the process for the extradition of Christopher 'Dudus' Coke would take place, not only have we witnessed the physical and mental destruction of a community, but we have witnessed an intentional onslaught by the security forces on a poor, innocent and misled people. What makes it so difficult and painful is the fact that the invasion's main purpose was inconsequential.

How can a warrant be issued without any credible evidence as to the whereabouts of the person being sought? Refusing to acquire, or not acquiring, credible evidence suggests that other than issuing the warrant, the security forces could not wait to unleash their weaponry on a community which has been a target for them for quite a number of years. To see bodies lying in the streets, dogs eating human beings for their food makes me sick to my stomach.

When have we as a nation become so evil with no regard for human life? I firmly believe that these atrocities cannot take place without the establishment of an independent commission of enquiry. Such a commission should not be composed of any politician, but members of the society who believe in fairness, and who are objective.

Finally, it is my hope that the prime minister will once and for all ask the United States government to intervene in the capture of Mr Coke. Enough is enough! The people cannot take it any longer.

I am, etc.,

MICHAEL THOMPSON

Miami, Florida

• A time to rejoice

The Editor, Sir;

While many Jamaicans lament the killing of innocent Jamaicans in this battle in Tivoli, many of us applaud the efforts of the military and the police to rid the country of criminal elements.

We are quite aware that politicians are guilty of the escalation of mafia-type crime in Jamaica through the granting of contracts to these criminal elements, which has served to safeguard the politicians' selfish desire for political power. So, while many politicians forge unholy alliances with criminals, many hardworking Jamaicans cowered in their communities as criminals ran amok, holding citizens hostage to violence and extortion.

Now that the politicians have empowered these criminals to the point where they can challenge the State, the Government has reacted to stave off international embarrassment.

Notwithstanding the politicians' intent for the Tivoli invasion, the hard-working Jamaicans have had enough of crime and rejoice at the dismantling of this and hopefully many other garrisons across Jamaica. Maybe now the Jamaican economy can grow again.

I am, etc.,

VANESSA REDDING

smartteacher@msn.com

Spanish Town, St Catherine