It’s time to speak up!

THE EDITOR, Sir:

The recent campaign by the Ministry of National Security, and by extension the Jamaica Constabulary Force, is by far one of the most likely to succeed that I have seen in recent years. The new 'What are you giving up for Lent?' initiative looks set to pack a punch in many ways. Not only does it publicise the top 20 most wanted men, but it encourages members of the public to give information even on those who have not been published. We are beginning to re-socialise ourselves - no more "informer fi dead" mentality. It is now more than OK to tell the police what you know.

Anonymity is possible through Crime Stop, the 811 police tip line, the Stay Alert app, which allows users to share voice, text or video. I believe that this campaign will reap success, at the very least these criminals will have their images spread across social media, newspapers and TV news outlets. When there is nowhere to hide, eventually these men we be caught and made to answer for their crimes.

Even though the campaign will end on March 30, I hope citizens will continue to share what they know. I hope that as the campaign progresses, more wanted men will be caught, charged and brought before the courts.

It is not the violence of a few that is damaging this country, it's the silence of many. It's time we speak up!

Sasha Gaye Chambers