THE EDITOR, Sir:
AS JAMAICA approaches the next General Election and our parties prepare themselves with manifestos, SUVs and in many instances guns and ammunition, the majority of the Jamaican people are wondering if the elections will have a positive impact in their daily lives. Crime, for example, is perhaps the most important issue on the minds of the Jamaica electorate. It affects the poor as well as the rich. In fact, crime could be described as an equal opportunity phenomenon, because it effects people equally, with the exception of our well-guarded politicians.
The criminal elements in the Jamaican society tend to get younger and younger and this does not look promising for the country's future. The politicians think that if they sign agreements, crime will stop. They therefore create public relations events around manifestos and peace agreements, which have no effect on the criminals who are threatening to lead Jamaica into a state of anarchy, similar to the African nations of Liberia, Congo and Somalia.
Crime is not new in Jamaica. We can go back to the days of Hugh Shearer's government when he instructed the police to "read them no beatitudes" in his attempt to control the upsurge of crime in the late 1960s. Michael Manley used the Gun Court the Suppression of Crime Act and the State of Emergency and we are no better off as far as crime is concerned.
Something must be wrong why all of these draconian measures have not led to reduction in criminal activities. Could it be that over the years there is a breakdown in the family as the building block for moral values to be inculcated in our children? Are our children becoming adults too early? Are we paying the price for the years of teenage pregnancy and irresponsible men having children without any concern for the way in which these children will be raised?
The politicians should consider this when preparing their manifestos. They should all state that if their party wins the election, the government along with other sectors of the society will rebuild the Jamaican family to make parents accountable for their children, reduce teenage pregnancy and ensure that every child receives a moral education, as a part of the future development of the country.
If the politicians are serious about leading Jamaica, they must set an example by obeying the laws during the campaign. If they do not do this then they are unable to change people after the election. But will the politicians do this or do they have a vested interest in indiscipline during and after the elections.
I am etc.,
DENNIS FRANCIS
Denafranco55@hotmail.com
Poughkeepsie, NY
Via Go-Jamaica
