There are numerous 'don't go' areas in tiny Jamaica, a country of numbers 2.8 million people - areas that can only be breached by massive numbers of security personnel. Yet, people in positions of power in Jamaica continue to act as if we have a democracy. If the free will of our people are subverted and is not reflected in the vote count, it is a kleptocracy.

Jamaicans continue to act as if the threat to national security that we face is simply a crime problem. Where else in the world except in the tribal areas of Pakistan can there be areas where cops cannot carry out their duties? And yet the Pakistani government uses troops to keep some semblance of order.

Business as usual

Policemen are slaughtered and it's business as usual; almost 1,700 reported killings annually and there is no declared civil war. Are the Jamaican people going to sit idly by and let the elite tell them that this is OK and that "Jamaica nice"?

When policemen are lured to areas to save lives and are greeted with AK-47 fire with the sole intention of slaughtering them, does anyone in their right mind still believe that is just crime?

The terrorist cells in Jamaica are closer to overthrowing the duly elected government than is recognised. Because of 'garrisoni-sation', we have not had a duly elected government in Jamaica for quite some time.

I am, etc.,

MICHAEL BECKLES

excellence3@verizon.net

New York

USA