THE EDITOR, Sir:
IF ANYTHING positive can be said about the growing crime rate, i.e. 'murder rate', it is that there now seems to be a genuine concern amongst the powers that be that this situation is indeed getting out of hand. There now seems to be a genuine search for solutions and it appears that the will is there to succeed.
Jamaica with a population of approx. 2.5 million in just over 4,000 square miles, should not have the dubious title of the 'murder country of the world'. It is generally accepted that only a minority of Jamaicans are responsible for our crime problem and that they are concentrated in certain areas. Whilst there is an apparent need to strengthen the numbers within our security forces, I think it is even more critical that the capabilities of our security forces be strengthened. We are living in the information age and unless we equip our security forces with the knowledge and equipment to effectively function in this new age, we will never win this battle. We need more computers and computer systems rather than guns to fight crime.
We also need to look at the functioning of our judiciary. Justice delayed is justice denied. It should not take three to five years to properly administer justice. Our justice system frustrates to the extent that it does not enjoy the confidence of either the security forces nor the man in the street. Criminals flourish when they are confident that they will not be caught and brought to justice.
Narco-trafficking is also generally considered to be at the root of most of our crime and violence and perhaps now is the time to seriously look at how this particular activity is classified. Maybe now is the time to upgrade this offence in line with other serious crimes and punish accordingly.
Narco-traffickers stay away from Malaysia because the punishment is death.
Economic considerations apart, a more non-traditional approach to solving our crime problems is needed. Our approach should be based on intelligence, justice and a security force free from corruption and politics.
I am etc.,
PETER CALLEN
callen@jamweb.net
9 Waterloo Avenue
Kingston 10
Via Go-Jamaica
