Time for conciliation

THE WEEKEND violence focused on western Kingston took new directions yesterday. Numerous roadblocks hampered traffic in several sections of the city and a tense atmosphere prevailed.

Another policeman died, burnt to death in his car at a roadblock along Mountain View Avenue. This was another in a rising death toll of over 20 fatalities thus far.

We think the time is ripe for conciliation. A private sector initiative by the PSOJ late yesterday seemed to be bearing fruit. JLP leader Edward Seaga, we are advised, will abide by whatever is recommended after a PSOJ tour of West Kingston today.

Prior to that development the rhetoric about the unrest was more negative than positive. Among those adding more heat than light was Senior Superintendent Reneto Adams, head of the Crime Management Unit. In obvious reaction to the pointed criticisms of Mr. Seaga, Mr Adams' graphic run-of-play commentary of the action was hardly helpful. Mr Seaga's own combative stance was a mixture of defiance and challenge. We suggest that the challenge be reserved for the purely political contest when that time comes. Such accusations of police misconduct that he has alleged would be better aired in the conciliation efforts that we think are now imperative.

Other party spokespersons such as Maxine Henry-Wilson for the PNP and Derrick Smith for the JLP should themselves avoid statements that could exacerbate the situation. They should seek to persuade their principals to meet and talk.

We believe that the great majority of law-abiding citizens support law and order and want to see normality restored. We have heard heart-rending accounts of innocent residents who feel trapped in the battle-scarred zone of western Kingston. If the fear they feel is transmitted uptown or across the island, the anarchy we dread may descend upon all of us. It is time for conciliation.

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