THERE WAS a time when the fear of flying was based on the unknown; the average plane passenger simply did not know what could go wrong mechanically. And then hijacking took to the skies.That fear factor has come to earth in Kingston, Jamaica. Last week, a Jamaica Defence Force soldier was shot dead in a minibus hijacked by gunmen. Police have since said a trend seems to be developing as there have been at least three such hijackings in the past few weeks.
So commuters on city buses have another reason to be fearful. To enhance safety in air travel, the authorities have been forced to install strict security at international airports in particular. But in public transportation, at street level, it is nigh impossible to install security the way airports do.
It is indeed frightening that in our capital city yet another aspect of crime has come to light even after the army reserves have been called out to boost police coverage of the most violence-prone communities. This will add to the sense of desperation which may have prompted the declaration of war on crime by the minister of national security. Even before that, our own reporting disclosed that a delegation of government officials and high-ranking police officers have sought the help of the Church in the fight against crime.
The disclosure of that plea to the Church coincides with the high-profile church activity at this Easter time. For this most solemn celebration of Christendom recalls the sacrifice by crucifixion that is at the heart of their faith and belief.
The more mundane sacrifice that churches can ask of congregations at Easter is simply to stay on the side of the law. For the most part, it would be secular sacrifice, because in the most volatile communities there are some who, either through fear or calculated choice, share ill-gotten gains. A recent letter writer cited some women behind the guns who actively support the criminality. And there are, as well, the hidden 'Mr. Bigs' who finance the illegal traffic which make the availability of guns the single most crucial factor that feeds crime.
The rest of us, the law-abiding, in church and state, behind grills at home, or riding on a bus must keep faith and help fight the sense of desperation which the meaning of Easter can help to banish.
The Church must nurture the moral strength of both the faithful and the sinner and so undergird the national will in this holy season to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.
