Embrace civilised behaviour

THE EDITOR, Madam:

As I reflect on Jamaica’s state with babies, girls,women and men young and old being chopped, burnt, maimed or shot to death.

I am reminded that empathy and understanding can bridge our divides. In 1962, we had 63 murders. Fast forward to recent years: 2025 (673), 2024 (1,193), 2023 (1,393), and 2022 (1,498).

It’s time for dialogue, peaceful civilised behaviour, and cooperation. No more drop off pants, nasty mouthism, gangs or community conflicts.

Let’s work together for a brighter, murderless, chop up less, fire free future.

National leadership at the highest level must not behave as though it’s business as usual.Talk about it and denounce it.

We can bring murders down to under 10.

Singapore, with twice our population, had seven murders in 2025 – why can’t we?

Jamaica needs speedy trials and rapid punishment for guilty murderers. Let’s shun “murder music” and titles like “Killi Killi”, “Gorgon”, “Dons”, “Shottas”, and “Murderas”. These glorify violence.

Wake up, pull up yuh pants Jamaica. No more under me, nasty mouthism! Let’s lead as a civilised Third World nation, even at “96° in the shade and real hot”.

MICHAEL SPENCE

micspen2@hotmail.com