Disarmament and the JDF

THE EDITOR, Madam:

IT SEEMS that the prison disturbances, which involved the JDF, have given rise to calls for the disbandment of this institution. Suggestion has been made about Costa Rica's unarmed status, without consideration of the fact that Costa Rica does not have any serious problem with criminals running about heavily-armed, and trained in the employment of these weapons.

It also seems that Jamaica has developed a 'new' breed of gunman, who knows how to co-ordinate their violence in a deadly way. At times the police seem in danger of being overwhelmed, by the situations that arise. So it would probably be demoralising to the police if the army was to be demobilised. I would think that such an action should only be taken if, and only if, there was a general disarmament of the society, removing a significant number of both legal, and illegal weapons.

That way there wouldn't be a need to have a 'force' to guard against extreme acts of violence.

I am etc.,

C.ST. PATRICK BROWN

E-mail: AsteryxY2K@aol.com

Miami, Florida

Via Go-Jamaica

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