By Claude Mills, Staff ReporterKINGSLEY THOMAS, chairman of the National Housing Trust (NHT), has made a controversial call for the imposition of a State of Emergency to stem the surging crime wave.
"I now feel that we have reached the stage where we have to declare a State of Emergency to clean up this country from the criminals," he said Monday night while addressing a Rotary Club function in Kingston. "A lot of people don't like it but we have to do it.
"We have moved from crime to terrorism. The people we are dealing with are insane... these are heartless people," he said. "We have to deal with this crime thing decisively."
His extemporaneous comments have ignited a firestorm of criticism from sections of the society, including human rights groups, concerned about possible violations under a State of Emergency.
Yesterday Mr. Thomas took umbrage to the attempt by the media to 'muddy the waters' by ascribing sinister and political motivations to
his statement.
"I am not flying a kite for the Government," he declared. "I spoke to no one in Government before making my statement. I spoke from the heart, and I believe that what is being said on the radio talk shows is a total aberration. There is no hidden agenda but that's the problem with this society, when someone stands up and says something genuine, they denigrate them."
REQUIRES DRASTIC ACTION
Mr. Thomas said that "the situation has reached a stage where it requires drastic action. I am just citizen Thomas, a humble man who does his job. If they fire me from my job, at least I will be heartened that what I have said is a wake-up call for this society. I have no regrets about saying what I did. The 1,000 murders a year cannot continue, it is now at a point where we are now immune to violence."
In October 1966, a Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) administration instituted a limited 'State of Emergency' confined to the western sections of Kingston. In 1976, the decision to impose an islandwide State of Emergency was taken by Cabinet following recommendations made by heads of Jamaica's security forces under a People's National Party (PNP) administration. During the almost year-long operation, members of the Opposition party were detained, three sent into exile and an election held to the House of Representatives.
Edward Seaga, leader of the JLP, was openly dismissive of Mr. Thomas' suggestions.
"I don't think it is a serious comment. I know Mr. Thomas, I believe he made that comment in a weak moment," he said curtly.
However, Doreen Frankson, president of the Jamaica Manufacturers Association (JMA), is supportive of any move that will curb the present bloodshed.
"Crime has reached alarming proportions, it is getting worse. Whether a State of Emergency, or any other method, the JMA supports whatever can be done to deal with this monster, the extortion, the kidnappings, the murders are just unbearable. This is threatening production and the lifeline of the country," she said.
However, Dr. Carolyn Gomes, head of lobby group Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ), has dubbed Mr. Thomas' suggestion as 'unfortunate'.
