Politicians can't solve crime

The Editor, Sir:

Karl Samuda is perhaps one of the most astute politicians in the country. He will win his seat for any party. We recall when he left the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and referred to Edward Seaga as "a little despot". He joined the People's National Party and found them very sweet. We recall also that he lit a candle and found his way back to the JLP. He won his seat for both parties. His constituents arguably believe anything he tells them.

Red Hills Road falls within his constituency. Years ago, a one-mile strip on this road was perhaps one of the most vibrant areas of economic activity in the country. There were several nightclubs, bars, restaurants, banks and other businesses. Jerk chicken vendors lined the street at nights. It was a fun area.

Ghost Town

Over the years, extortionists from the area reduced Red Hills Road to a virtual ghost town. Murder and mayhem became the order of the day. Gangs from a number of lanes control the area and converted the place into a war zone.

Young Armstrong who took over his father's wholesale business was murdered in mid-morning when he refused to pay up. There were no expressions of disgust as it was just ordinary people bearing the brunt of crime.

It is said that once the problem starts getting close to home something will be done about it.

Samuda's passionate outburst about solving the problem of crime comes over sort of vacuous.

It is now the common belief in the country that politicians are responsible for the crime situation. Gangs are their tools in trade. They nurture them for use at election time, so they cannot be the answer to the problem.

The people of the country are now looking to the security forces, who will demand whatever it takes to get the job done. If it takes sporadic state of emergency, so let it be. Do not rely on the political process that has failed the country over the years.

I am, etc.,

Linford Phillips