THE EDITOr, Sir:
PROFESSORS CHEVANNES and Robotham have both put forth two well-reasoned demands (published in this newspaper) worthy of consideration by Jamaicans, at home and abroad. That is, establishment of a Peace Institute, among other measures, and declaration of a state of emergency, to give the country a breathing space. However, as a layperson I am somewhat disappointed that our intellectuals remain silent about certain facts of our life.
Truly, the recent past must serve to remind us that our society is moving rapidly toward becoming 'ungovernable.' But it would seem to me that Jamaica's problem of 'lawlessness' could also be countered by a serious effort of democratisation at the community level.
A 1999 study of Jamaican communities, by the Social Development Commission, listed some 569 Community Based Organisations (CBOs) active in 201 districts within the Kingston Metropolitan Region. Unfortunately, these initiatives lack the necessary legislations to sustain or entrench them within our culture. In this regard, our academics and business folk could spearhead a national campaign to decentralise governance in Jamaica. Saying that the problem of crime should be a concern for all 'stakeholders' is empty when the political directorate is not yet prepared to empower citizens groups with important rights like eminent domain, etc.
Another fact of our lives is the perennial problem of police assignments across the island without citizen's involvement. If the politicians and 'drug pushers' with friends in the 'right places' can have this information why shouldn't ordinary taxpayers be empowered with a role in this decision-making process? At minimum, police officers assigned to communities must first be introduced to residents, have their past experience shared and this decision subjected to open discussion. After all, trust building provides the foundation for alliances.
Establishing a peace institute is a good idea but I am doubtful that crime victims will 'trod' to the Mona campus for yet another discussion (study) if they live in fear of gunmen, in and out of uniforms. Thus, I want to suggest that a more urgent need is for the creation of new and democratic institutions at the community level, empowerment of 'decent folks' to reclaim their space without having to resort to force, legal and otherwise, or a state of emergency.
Here too the police can be of help, given the legitimacy enjoyed somewhat, by becoming 'activist' alongside residents, in a respectful manner, to improve their lives, an important feature of community policing. Too much blood 'a run' and not enough democracy in the approach to the urban social problems affecting Jamaica.
I am, etc.,
MICHAEL NEITA
mneita@rcc.mass.edu
Roxbury Community College
1234 Columbus Avenue
Boston, MA
Via Go-Jamaica
