The fire this time

The Editor, Sir:

Let this be the last time that as a nation we experience the invasion of a garrison community. Let this be the last time that innocent citizens are killed in crossfire. Let this be the last time that mothers and fathers, wives and husbands, girlfriends and boyfriends, daughters and sons worry and pray unceasingly as their loved ones in the security forces and the media journey to war in a garrison community.

This must be the last time that a community can barricade and set up roadblocks to deter free and unhindered movement of its residents, law enforcement and the nation at large. This must be the last time that thugs burn down police stations; the last time that law-abiding citizens in a community live and act in dread against their wills because they are overpowered by fear. This must be the last time - but we must have the will.

As a nation, we cannot go through this again - it costs too much in lives, anguish, pain, disgrace, lost production and financial resources. Once the forces enter West Kingston to clear the blockades, they must maintain 'occupation' until the enclave is de-garrisoned. We need to ensure that social ills are corrected there. We must ensure that the infrastructure is modified so that there is no more "one way in and one way out!"

must provide options

I am reminded of a quote by James Baldwin, who at a crossroads in history warned about an ominous conflagration on the horizon; "God gave Noah the rainbow sign, No more water, the fire next time!"

Inaction this time and we will be irretrievably consumed by evil the next time. Let us ensure that this is definitely the last time!

I am, etc.,

SICK AND TIRED

Kingston