I am a Jamaican who has been living in Canada for the past 15 years.

Lately, the crime rate and the types of crimes that Jamaicans are committing in our country have been so terrifying that I am honestly getting scared for the entire country.

I can remember years ago, some parishes and communities were spared from vicious crimes. Now, nowhere is safe. What kind of messages are these criminals sending to God, tourists and returning residents? Is it that we have lost our way completely? Is it the high rate of teenage pregnancy that has been plaguing our island that's causing this? I know that not every teenage pregnancy turns out badly.

More god-fearing

These are questions that keep popping into my mind. I hope there will be more God-fearing pastors and individuals like you who really want to help people, whether Christians or non-Christians.

This is what caused me to start thinking: I am a graduate of Dinthill Technical High School and when I got the news that that little boy in St Mary got killed so gruesomely, it really hit hard. Those types of crimes were unheard of in Jamaica.

I want to tell them that people worldwide love Jamaicans. They love our culture and music, so, please stop the senseless killing. Jamaica's main lifeline is tourism. If they stop coming, what are we going to do? People, the fear of God is gone.

Teach the youths love and unity. Don't give up on your bad uncle, cousin, siblings or friend. There is still hope for us. Have faith and stop giving up. I am 38 years old and don't know my father and I will never give up hope that one day I will know him. So please stay strong, because even though I fear the violence, I still love my island in the sun.

Pastor, may God keep blessing and sustaining you.

C. G., Ontario, Canada

Dear C. G.,

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Pastor