Spanish Town

The Association for the Resettlement of Returning Residents says it is fed up of the crime situation and is even worried about a plan by government representatives to consult with dons.

President of the association, Percival Latouche, said the plan will set a bad example for the nation's children, as they will think that they can become legitimate criminals if they choose the wrong path.

"What can you tell your children, when they hear that the Government will be meeting with dons to discuss crime problems. I certainly hope that they know what they are doing, but it does not sound good to me, and the returning residents are concerned about this new drive," Latouche said, addressing a meeting in Linstead, recently.

He said that the approach could set a bad precedent and he hopes that the authorities plan will work well for all concerned. He said several of the association's members have been robbed and even killed by criminals and that some of these dons, with whom the authorities will be consulting, have played their roles in the criminal network.

"I believe the place for criminals is jail, not Parliament, so this must be thought through properly," Latouche said. Several members who spoke with this newspaper said they hoped that the new approach will benefit law-abiding Jamaicans and ease Jamaica's crime problem.