Let's Talk Life - Can we stop the violence, please! Dear Rev, LET ME say that I am a serious reader of yours for the past few months. I totally enjoy your articles, as I find them very objective and real. I was most happy to discover that you had this new column. Many of us in the public really value your opinions. Just promise me that this column will not become idealistic and irrelevant like so many others I know. I was wondering if you could give me your thoughts on what is happening in West Kingston. What do you suggest should be done in order to regain control? Michael Dear Michael: Thank you for your kind words. I will certainly try to live up to your expectations, by allowing this column to reflect what people are thinking and experiencing, at all levels of life. The situation in West Kingston is rather pathetic. The first thing that needs to happen is that the police must be allowed to do their job. The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is the organisation in this country with the mandate to fight crime and violence, not politicians. This I discover has been the major flaw in the various efforts to restore normality, not only in this, but also in other like situations. The politicians, the Church and whichever other organisations, may submit advice with respect to dealing with the situation, and find out from the police how they may assist. However, ultimately, we need to let the police do their job. Secondly, this has become a political game, and a rather dangerous one indeed. Both sides of the political fence seem to be blaming the other, instead of seeking meaningful avenues of resolve. It is my belief that both sets of politicians are spending 80 per cent of their time badgering the other and the police, and blowing their trumpets, while 20 per cent is being utilised in finding a solution. I blame the politicians for their careless and irresponsible words, which were clearly, in most instances, not given much thought. This is ridiculous, now is not the time to be trumpeting our accomplishments and displaying our badges, or seeking to secure votes, there is a crisis at hand. Why not both sets of minds come together along with the police in a bid for restoration, then allow the police to do their jobs, if in fact they know how to. My main concern has to do with the innocent people in the affected communities. Yes, there are some who are party to the problem, by hiding gunmen and telling lies to protect them, blocking roads and destroying property; however, others are just trying to get through this nightmare alive. It is the latter set that I am concerned about, the noble citizens in this region of our country, who are being subjected to war and murder. Not to mention our children who are witnessing the entire ordeal. Rev.
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