Just a few days ago, a story about an elderly man who was stabbed and pushed from a bus was published in this newspaper. In Monday's paper, a similarly disturbing story was published.

This article was about a 90-year-old woman who was burnt to death after arsonists set her house ablaze. The woman was also blind and bedridden. According to the story, the house was set ablaze by gunmen, who had earlier fired shots at three houses in the community. Before leaving, they set the woman's house on fire.

It is becoming increasingly clear that criminals have no regard for the elderly, and that the respect that was once shown to golden agers is quickly becoming non-existent.

It is indeed sad that after spending the latter years of her life confined to her home and her bed, this woman had to die such a brutal death. It is sad that when the elderly live their lives and manage to reach such golden ages, they are cut down by disgusting criminals to whom life means nothing.

It is clear that drastic action needs to be taken against the criminals in our country, for too long they have been allowed to instil fear into the hearts of hardworking Jamaicans. It is time for them to feel some fear, and to be dealt with as coldly and harshly as they deal with others.