IF ever one wanted to make a case for taking steps toward the dismantling of political garrisons in Jamaica, then the current happenings in Arnett Gardens would be the ideal time to do so. Civil society must seize the time and press for the reduction of this political aberration.
Despite the protestations of the political architects, of gatherings of 'like-minded citizens', we have frequent glimpses into a dim future, where violent outbreaks have a high propensity to occur, when area dons do not like certain happenings. This cannot happen in most normal constituencies where, interestingly, some of the major dons live (no, they do not live in their area of control, if they can avoid it).
Now is the time to pressure the political parties, who control these fiefdoms, to set a timetable for its dismantling. They will not do so wil-lingly, as they guarantee selected (not elected) seats at general elections. In the ensuing period, between the four to five-year periods of general elections, the citizens get 'shafted' on civil obligations (no regular local services) but at the same time don't pay, on a regular basis, rent and utilities. It's not a good trade-off when lives can be disrupted at any time, or lost.
Clientelism is the broad term for such a situation but, it has been developed to a high degree in Jamaica. The Carter Centre report commented on the uniqueness of this situation, and yet they have wide experience monitoring elections around the world.
Here, the favoured political sons 'run things', that is, get road and other construction contracts, control labour distribution, provide security (despite no official military/police background), control the various entertainment outlets, and are also known to be involved in major illegal activities (drugs, extortion etc.)
If a parent seeks to exert strong parental control on his teenage son in this situation, then the 'community soldiers' object to him, not guarding the community at night, when he could be sleeping, to be rested for school the next day. If a parent objects to her teenage daughter being forced into a sexual relationship with the area don or his henchmen, then he/she better be prepared to send them to live with a relative 'in the country'. It's a terrible way to grow teenagers up.
The unfortunate thing is the sporadic violence it frequently throws up, has facilitated the spread to other communities across the country and the emergence of a 'bad man and gun culture'. Don't listen to those who pretend this is only a minor skirmish, as they benefit from the old order. When the next cycle of violence erupts, they will keep quiet. In the meantime, lives are disrupted, education disrupted and the shootings continue. It's time to reclaim our brothers and sisters. It's time to work towards ending it.
