ORVILLE W. TAYLOR
ORVILLE W. TAYLOR, GUEST COLUMNIST
NINE HUNDRED and mash people dead! Tell me! Is this not one of the most violent places in the world? Of course there is reason to fear. Maybe one of these days some would-be robber or someone who says that I talk too honestly will decide that this "ball-head (or guinep head) bwoy fi dead". Eeeh! 'Mi still a write.'
Still the time for talking is over and the time to act is now. Although violent crime seems to be correlated to poverty and unemployment and there appears to be a morbid love affair with the gun among some elements in the society, the problem is not so simple.
The fact is there is a set of persons who are criminal-minded whatever be their socio-economic status. Thus, this minuscule but active minority will rob, kill, and rape without any provocation or encouragement from targeted victims. Such persons just 'can't tame.' Then there is another marginal group with criminal potential who given the right opportunities, will desist from deviant behaviour. So, if they are properly guided and given access to earning a living they are less likely to rob. Similarly, there are persons who might not rape if they are properly socialised.
A TASTE FOR THE GUN
While our crime has no class boundary a large part of it is due to an entire generation that was made to develop a taste for the gun then provided by their patrons. The problem now is that the cat that was being trained to attack is now a lion on steroids and it is difficult to replace the leash. When the links between international drug traders and the 'foreign educated' deportees are made, the challenge is even more formidable.
Two decades ago when it was fashionable for Socialis' and Labourites to kill each other in the name of their party or politician I made the point that violence had no colour. I maintained that in some communities where there was a propensity to aggression as part of their culture and that politicians added to it and painted it in orange green and even red. You remember them? I argued that inner-city communities were not simply sub-cultures but they were societies in themselves without serious attempts made to integrate them into mainstream society.
Now the next generation does not need to be armed or patronised by politicians. Many of our politicians who were active between 25 and 30 years ago have to re-assess their role in developing the gun culture and think of "what next?"
'PUTTING BUTTER IN
A PUSS MOUTH'
As for the rape debate, whatever Bishop Blair said, people must be free from all crimes. Nevertheless, there is a difference between blaming the victim for the crime and 'putting butter in a puss mouth.' If you have money in full display, persons inclined to rob will attack you given the opportunity.
Unlocked houses with stealable goods inside encourage thieves. When syrup is left in the open it attracts a lot of bees and beautiful hummingbirds. However, it also invites swarms of flies as well. Honestly! Men! What do you think when you see a woman dressed in a 'b-rider,' especially when her butt is as pronounced like a Toyota Mark II?
Do you think of her intellectual or sensitive qualities? Well imagine those thoughts in the mind of a 'sicko' who is inclined to rape. Interview rapists and see if revealing clothes turn them on. No one wants to become a victim so we need to keep the opportunities for the criminals to a minimum.
I can't argue whether men wearing low trousers stimulate homosexuality. Speaking for most men, male to male attraction is not the norm and even if a man strips, bends and drops a whole box of soap in front of me the only thing that will rise will be my left foot. (No homophobic labels please!)
And the police? In my considered opinion some police personnel actually commit their fair share of crimes as well. Indeed there are miscreants within the organisation who feel that they can hide (and some do) their activities under a quaint CCN report.
These few reprobates need to know that even if they escape justice the public knows of their activities and they destroy public relations. Collaboration and trust between the populace and the police are indispensable.
ACTION OF FEW
Tell me! Why should persons become informers when they feel there can be no guarantee that the information will be truly confidential and that they will be protected? Furthermore, why should a report be made on a youth who is hiding a gun if it is felt that that information will lead to his execution rather than his trial and possible rehabilitation? Although the majority of the force comprises law-abiding and exemplary officers it is always the action of these few which instructs public opinion.
I was encouraged that Mayor McKenzie demonstrated that police personnel and vehicles are not above the law. That is the way to go, punish wrong-doers in a transparent way. Yes Desmond, you are definitely a labour-'right'. To solve the crime problem there is unfortunately no easy fix. We have to start being better parents. If you don't know, ask how!
Next, the education system must provide more choices and training relevant to our development needs. Furthermore, the police must continue to work hard at improving their community image. This includes a zero-tolerance for excesses and violations of human rights and the law.
Overall, none of this is possible outside of the context of a solid pattern of economic growth and clear occupational opportunities with decent work. Finally, our politicians must make choices which are in the national interest even if they are not consistent with their own narrow political objectives.
By the way, can we charge the English cricketers for battery? I bet that is a crime too.
Dr. Orville Taylor is a lecturer in the Department of Sociology, Psychology and Social Work at the UWI, Mona campus.
