Jamaica's PM calls on criminals to change their ways

No doubt motivated by the magnificent performance of the Jamaican athletes at the recently concluded Beijing Olympics, Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding has called on lawbreakers to lead a better life in order to make their country even more proud.

Speaking during a broadcast, Golding challenged lawbreakers and thugs to put an end to violent crime, which threatens to embarrass the nation. He added, "Rampant criminality has tainted the nation’s reputation for too long."

He urged criminals to "get on with the program. We are the best in the world. Stop trying to make us look like we are the baddest in the world."

The Prime Minister noted that Jamaica's athletes did not deserve to be embarrassed on the world stage, in their moment of glory, by the country's murder rate. In a stirring plea to the nation, Golding said, "Let us use this moment, this unprecedented display of world-class excellence, this moment of triumph and glory, to unite as a people."

Jamaica, with a population of only 2.2 million, placed fourth in the athletics medals standings behind the United States, Russia and Kenya, copping a total of 11 medals, of which 6 were gold – the same number as Russia in second place.

Unfortunately, the country has recorded more than 1,000 homicides for the year so far. (Caribbean Net News)