THE EDITOR, Sir:
WE CANNOT have a society of any calibre without a police force but the police in Jamaica should not be referred to as a 'force' for law and order. The truth is that it is not like any other anywhere in the world and it is not ready for the requirements of Jamaica. Such a force only adds to the frustration of the already frustrated population. The people are frustrated because of the behaviour of Jamaicans in authority.
It started with slavery where slavemasters ignored the needs and aspirations of the slaves and now the same behaviour is being practised by some Jamaicans who have attained positions within the society.
For example a Jamaican doctor or any other Jamaican who achieves a university degree, will suddenly elevate his or herself above the average person and will not interact or try to assist in any way. This sort of behaviour is well observed by the sensitive population and because it generates a feeling of lack of hope then the only alternative, according to some of us, is to take by force.
It is not justifiable but understandable. Adorning one's self in a police uniform does not mean you are equipped to deal with the job in hand. A lot more is required before one could be ready to offer such a service. In the same vein, acquiring a university degree does not make an individual an expert at everything, just at the subject they studied.
I am, etc.
T. PARKER
xtparker@yahoo.com
California
Via Go-Jamaica
