Dear Pastor,
I am a 52-year-old white Englishman who is married to a beautiful and fine Jamaican lady living in the Arnett Gardens area of west Kingston. Although not relevant to what I wish to say, we have applied for a UK visa for her to come to me in London, but she has been refused.
My point today pertains to the violence in west Kingston. I have not been able to see my wife for three years because of the gun war in west Kingston. She will not allow me to come to her in Arnett Gardens (although I spent happy times there in 1996, 1998 and 1999) because my presence in the area will put my life, her life and the life of her family and neighbours at serious risk. I am an ordinary working man so even getting to Jamaica is not easy, and there is simply no way I can book a hotel room for the duration of my visit (two-three months) and it would not be the same excitement as being there in my wife's home among her family, friends and neighbours.
Never-ending
So what I want to ask is why the Jamaican Constabulary and Jamaican Defence Force can't put an end to this never-ending violence in west Kingston? Why can't they mount a major operation which would involve sealing off an area of west Kingston and mounting a house-to-house search for weapons? The search would be carried out with sensitivity and respect for people's possessions. I am sure most of the decent, respectable citizens of west Kingston would be willing to manage the inconvenience if it means quieter, safer and more peaceful times ahead. The operation would be announced but the actual date would remain secret and subject to the highest level of security. Anybody passing in or out of the affected area during the operation would be searched for weapons.
My wife lives in fear in Arnett Gardens while my beautiful step-daughter lives in fear in Craig Town. I long to visit both of them, but it is the violence that is preventing my visit. Surely, the law-enforcement agencies within Jamaica can do something along the lines of what I have suggested. Or should the American troops be pulled out of Iraq and sent into west Kingston? All I want to do is to see my beautiful wife.
J.O., London, England
Dear J.O.,
I am not going to comment on the suggestions that you have put forward. I understand that it must be tough on your wife and yourself not being able to see each other for a long time. It seems to me that you should do something about your Government not granting your wife permission to live in Britain. I am sure that a lawyer should be able to assist you in that matter.
I understand that you are an ordinary man who is not working for a lot of money. But if that is really the case, how could you afford to come to Jamaica and stay for a period of two-three months? Who would support you here? Is it your wife who is going to support you for that long period? You can hardly manage your fare, so why would you want to just come to Jamaica to just enjoy your wife's goodies. If you are really longing to see her and you cannot stay in Arnett Gardens, why can't you come and stay in a guest house for a week? Can't you stay with one of her friends or relatives who are living outside of the area? If your wife really wants to see you, she would find ways and means to make you comfortable here in Jamaica without fear.
Pastor
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