Peter Espeut
SOCIETIES ARE dynamic, integrated systems; change in one component will result in some change in all components. And if you want to bring about change in one component, you have to be prepared to make changes in other contributing components. Sociology 101.
My friend and church brother Maurice Azan lost his life last Saturday; the private sector then cries blue murder and calls for somebody to do something to bring an end to violent crime in the society.
It may sound simple, but you cannot want change and, at the same time, expect things to remain the same. You can't expect an end to crime in Jamaica or even a serious reduction with all other things remaining the same.
'ONE ORDER' FOR ORDER
Those who call for an end to crime in Jamaica without also calling for an end to the other contributing factors are either dishonest or naïve.
There will never be an end to violent crime in Jamaica as long as the genetic link between politics and the armed militias in the garrisons remains intact. There must be only 'one order' across Jamaica the order which comes from the constitutional rule of law.
That 'one order' is being superseded by another movement towards 'one order' totally at war with constitutional order, which is slowly sucking in politicians, the police and the private sector. Why is it that all the contenders for party and national leadership are garrison MPs, or who find it impossible to stay away from the funerals of shady characters?
There will never be an end to violent crime in Jamaica as long as corrupt party faithfuls receive protection from the law through their political parties. You are safe from the law if you are corrupt in the service of your party.
Neither party has taken any step to prosecute their members placed in positions of trust who act corruptly and illegally to distribute scarce benefits and spoils in a partisan manner. When housing or land or contracts are found to have been dealt with improperly, no one is ever prosecuted, the corrupt decisions are never reversed, and no one is asked to make restitution.
Both parties are sheepish when corruption is discovered (that is the real nuisance: to have been caught), maybe the front man is retired with full benefits (after all, they know too much, and if arrested may sing unwelcome songs), and then normal life continues. Yes, you are safe from the law if you are corrupt in the service of your party.
Put that next to the announcement that the Cabinet on Monday last decided that the use of prohibited drugs by athletes is now to be treated as a criminal offence and prosecuted under the criminal law.
With all this talk of putting an end to corruption in government, have you heard anyone say that corrupt politicians or public servants will be treated as criminals? No, you are safe from the law if you are corrupt in the service of your party involving millions of dollars, but cheating athletes will be treated as criminals.
And if an MP, Cabinet Minister or even the Prime Minister acts improperly, there is absolutely no liability. It was reported in The Gleaner two days ago that the Minister of Information admitted that the amendments to the Prime Minister's Pension Act were simply legalising current practice: in other words, government officers had for years been acting contrary to law. Of course, there will be no punishment.
Neither will there be any sanction if the government borrows above its legal limit, if the Government's Contracts Committee is subverted, or if wildcat public holidays are announced contrary to law. The law will not be a shackle, and has been carefully crafted to protect lawmakers from prosecution.
WITHDRAW FINANCIAL SUPPORT
You cannot expect an end to crime in Jamaica or even a serious reduction with all other things remaining the same. There will never be an end to violent crime in Jamaica as long as the genetic link between politics and the armed militias in the garrisons remains intact, and corrupt party faithfuls receive protection from the law through their political parties.
If the private sector really wants to make a difference, then they should withdraw their financial support until the politicians of both parties agree to dismantle our present arrangements. Don't let the death of brave Maurice be in vain.
Peter Espeut is a sociologist and
is executive director of an environment and development NGO.
