Dear Editor,

Am I the only person who finds it saddening that the number one concern of our citizens is the
continuous spiralling of crime in this nation?
It pains my heart, to see these barbaric and barefaced criminals attacking our fellow citizens and
security forces as if they own this land with absolutely no regard for humanity.
I have listened to the discussion of many airing their views on how the Prime Minister and the
Minister of National Security must fix this problem. One thing many fail to acknowledge,
however, is that as citizens we all have an obligation to carry out our civic duties including but
not limited to serving and protecting this nation. This starts in our homes, communities and other
social institutions.
As a nation, we must get it right from the start. The values and norms that are socially acceptable
for any person to function in society starts with the primary agents of socialization. Parents then
ought to understand the importance of this process and recognize that it begins in the home. It
serves as the foundation for a childs moral beliefs and in turn guides his/her actions through life.
I can remember vividly my primary school principal telling us, those big thieves started out as
little thieves and big criminals started out as little criminals. Parents therefore, must be guided
by the rewards and punishment system. When we see our children behaving in a manner that is
less than socially acceptable, it is fundamental that it is corrected right away.
Sad to say, we have lost most of the cultural values in our society. We now all live independently
of each other, forgetting the old adage that no man is an island. Let us take it back to the days of
our forefathers; when it was the village that raised the child. A shared partnership is necessary in
the maturation of our youths and the wider community must have a vested interest in instilling
moral values in our children.
Criminals do not live on an island by themselves and come out when they want to commit a
crime. They live amongst us. They are our sons and daughters, family members and friends. It is
our duty to report them when we know of their criminal actions. It is our duty to seek help for
them. We must get rid of the informa fi dead culture in Jamaica as it is not only killing the
informas but also other decent and innocent citizens caught unaware and even visitors to this
beautiful island. It is time to take back this country. It is time we move this nation into
prosperity but let it be clear that this change begins with us in our homes, communities,
churches, schools, and the other social pillars of our nation.

Shanique Ebanks.
Shanique_ebanks@yahoo.com.