THE EDITOR, Sir:

When we pass negative remarks that crime and violence and corruption are sweeping Jamaica, the response we always get is that it's everywhere. But in some country its low, very low yet it is high, very high in Jamaica.

While there is not a perfect country or place, we all yearn (and are calling out) for peace and love and unity. Let us look at Psalms 55:6-8: "Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then I would fly away and be at rest..." Many of us are saying the same thing, some are doing so but it is not possible for some. Some would like to come back but are afraid to.

I would prefer to live in a country - even a communist country - where maybe five people die each year, than to live in one like Jamaica, where over 1000 people are killed and maimed annually. People are dying more than animals. Are we humans?

I would prefer to live in a communist country where no one is chopped to death like animals or stabbed to death like a cow on a 'regular basis', each year.

I would prefer to live at a place where life is respected; where life is seen as a precious gift, more precious than silver and gold, pearls and diamonds and rubies.

I still love my country, but too much blood, too many knives and machetes. Too many wrongdoers.

Thank you.

Donald J. McKoy

Spanish Town

St Catherine