Garth Rattray BAREFACED CRIMINALS have increased their nefarious acts of violence and civil disobedience. This has made many people very nervous. However, we must think this problem through carefully and methodically instead of succumbing to panic and (once again) calling for a national State of Emergency or for the solicitation of more outside police help.
All law-abiding and patriotic Jamaicans are understandably extremely concerned. They see the real possibility that crime will eventually be our ruin. They are angry with the criminals who have decided to build their evil empires on our little island. But, heavy-handed attempts at squelching this crime wave will fail, as usual. Previous States of Emergency did little to meaningfully solve our crime problem, instead they facilitated the selective oppression of a minority. They bred deep animosity within the poorer communities and widened the political divide. They generated distrust for the security forces. This is one of the reasons why to this very day only a few people will come forward with the vital information needed to stomp out crime. States of Emergency should only be declared in times of overwhelming danger. During such times numerous civil rights are suspended. This exposes all of us to serious abuse and can cause our country irrevocable harm. Furthermore, international headlines buzzing about a State of Emergency in Jamaica would destroy our essential tourist industry.
ASSISTANCE
I'm not certain what level of assistance those who are renewing the call for overseas help to tackle the growing crime problem are seeking. Our security forces are already being assisted with some aspects of training and intelligence gathering techniques. Additionally, the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) initiative has met with some success wherever it was instituted, so much so that the police force was requesting further local help in order to fulfil their obligations to those communities.
Enlisting additional foreign assistance in the fight against crime will probably be superfluous and serve to undermine our sovereignty. Besides, each country has its own unique problems with crime. There is no standard solution and no magic bullet. What works in Israel, England and the United States may not work here. We must treat the source of our particular malady if we are to effect any kind of cure. Our people need re-education. Many are schooled in tenement yards, in the streets, dance halls, by the popular music, films and television.
HANDOUTS
Too many people from the inner cities depend on handouts and favours for their day to day survival. They receive money, clothes, food, shelter and protection from powerful and prosperous "area leaders". Years of negative stereotyping and acculturation have led them to believe that the police and the state (Babylon) are the oppressive and cruel vestiges of colonialism. People have even said openly (on T.V.) that elected officials put in charge of them have repeatedly failed to deliver on their promises. However, the area leaders delivered when others failed. With their swift systems of so-called justice and consistent support for their communities, they are a hard act to follow. The advent of extortion and dangerous drugs have added a new dimension to crime in Jamaica and has made it that much more difficult to surmount.
If we are serious about winning the war on crime, we need to provide more scholarships for the poor, offer free trips for selected poorer-class children from communities that lower their crime rate as prizes, promote our own dance hall sessions featuring uplifting songs free from filth and perversion. The government should offer tax incentives for companies that hire from the inner cities. We should seek help from the developed countries to provide free uniforms and books for children. This is how we will eventually eliminate crime. Standard policing methods may only temporarily suppress it.
BOLDER
Criminals are becoming bolder each day, testing the boundaries of their firepower. Crime has achieved new heights with the potential for devastating consequences, we must change the old ways of doing things and adapt in order to survive. The days of mere batons, bullets and bars are ending. If we are to ultimately prevail, we must not panic but instead intelligently outmanoeuvre flagitiousness.
Dr. Garth A. Rattray is a medical doctor with a family practice.
