The brutal murder of Vincent Young of Young's Supermarket in Mandeville on Saturday evening shows again how vicious and cold-hearted these criminals have become. Not satisfied with robbing Mr Young, they shot him three times in an unnecessary, cruel and barbaric act.

This gang of about four to six men have been plaguing Mandeville and the surrounding areas for about a year now, and the police still have not been able to apprehend them.

I am calling on the Mandeville police to intensify their efforts to catch these criminals, as I am not certain what will happen if they don't. The people are angry and dangerously upset over what they say is another senseless murder of one of their own.

I urge the Mandeville police to give public statements regarding the investigation of this and other murders and robberies that may be related and to tell the people of Mandeville, honestly, what is happening.

Meanwhile, I urge anyone who knows anything about this and other incidents to pass the information on to the authorities. Everyone is in danger until they are caught. My deepest sympathies go out to Mrs Young and her family. May the good Lord help them through this terrible time.

-Sally Porteous

Mandeville

Where is the crime bill?

For too long, Jamaica's political leaders have been able to wish away or dodge the real issues that dominate the average man in the street's life. Crime and violence have been that sore issue for the last 35 years and, in my opinion, it is the issue that politicians use as their trump card to get elected whenever that cycle comes.

In the midst of a spiralling crime rate, one has to wonder what has happened to the crime bill that was placed before Parliament? Is it that it will affect too many persons who can influence the outcome of a constituency or general election? Why is it that the sense of outrage and concern cannot transform itself into legislation to tackle the issues affecting almost every Jamaican.

Can it be that our leaders are afraid to do the right thing, as it will cost them a seat in Parliament? Or is there more to it than the normal man in the street suspects?

I am appealing to all 60 members of Parliament, help us! You took the oath to do exactly that, so why are you afraid to do so?

- Michelle Smith

michgirl@hotmail.com

Clarendon