We, the undersigned, individuals and representatives of organisations of Jamaican nationals and friends of Jamaica in the UK, write to express our grave concerns about the situation in Tivoli Gardens and neighbouring areas and the State of Emergency in Kingston and St Andrews, Jamaica. We deplore the tragic loss of innocent lives and injuries to many persons. We question why the government has adopted a heavy-handed militaristic approach instead of an intelligence-led one to resolve this crisis. We request that the strongest possible efforts be made to achieve a permanent cessation of the violence and unrest and prevention of the loss of more innocent lives. Once the current situation stabilises, there must be a full, unfettered and transparent investigation, with the participation of Caricom, of the background to the current unrest. This enquiry should be forward-looking, with a view to disseminating proposals to prevent a recurrence of unrest. The apparent close links between some Jamaican politicians of both parties and organized crime must be addressed with utmost urgency. There can be no "no go areas" for law and order, no "garrison communities" or "states within states" in Jamaica. Why such areas exist has to be confronted if they are to be eliminated. Finally, we believe that the current, and any, Prime Minister of Jamaica should consider their behaviour carefully. Holding of high office in a democracy should require the highest probity. Any suggestion of a departure from such a standard brings Jamaica’s name into disrepute, with dire consequences for its many nationals at home and abroad who depend vitally on that good name.