Howard Campbell, Gleaner writerMRS. LOPEZ said her organisation and other civic groups including the Jamaica Exporters' Association and the Jamaica Manufacturers' Association, will close affiliated businesses on Wednesday to protest the country's frightening homicide rate which so far has accounted for more than 630 lives.
Senior Superintendent Leon Rose, who heads the Jamaica Constabulary Force's (JCF) community relations programme, said Friday he did not know what security measures, if any, the police would be putting in place for Wednesday's event. However, he added that the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) effort will get maximum backing from the force.
"Anything which helps to bring down our crime situation is welcomed, moreso from an organisation like the PSOJ," said SSP Rose. "This will send a strong signal but we hope that it will go beyond symbolism and have a tangible and measured effect."
Miguel Lorne, an attorney-at-law and leading figure in the Rastafarian movement, says the sect is also in support.
"We totally abhor the crime situation and the proliferation of guns in the society, but we are not looking at it from one side. We feel the Government needs to do more to help empower the youth," he said.
Rev. Al Miller of Whole Life Ministries echoed Mr. Lorne's comments.
"Any attempt to address crime should be supported. Of course this will not solve it but it shows that we recognise the problem," said Rev. Miller. "If we don't deal with the root, which is in tribal politics, the problem will not be solved."
So far, more than 70 persons have died in May including four policemen and Clarendon businessmen, Maurice Azan and his stepson Lloyd Phang, who were gunned down at Mr. Azan's businessplace in May Pen eight days ago.
Also on Wednesday, the private sector groups will stage an afternoon peace fest at Emanci-pation Park in New Kingston where a roll-call of the persons who have died in homicides this year will be made. A request has been made for motorists to keep their headlights on and wear yellow, a prominent colour in the national flag, to the Emancipation Park event.
SOLUTIONS
The business leaders have requested a meeting with officials from the Government and the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party to discuss crime solutions. Citizens with whom The Sunday Gleaner spoke on Friday said the PSOJ gesture was timely.
"We need to take back our country from the criminals. We can't afford for our children to suffer 'cause a gunman," said Horace Brown, a businessman. "I support it 100 per cent."
Patrick Hudson, a computer programmer, said he will most likely be at Emancipation Park but did have some reservations.
"I would not shut down businesses for a day because that's a livelihood and you could lose a lot of money. If I had a business, I would allow my staff to go and support it but not for the entire day," he said.
Taxi driver, Wayne Wilkins, agreed: "The gunman dem tek over, but a the bigga heads dem 'cause it," he said. "Everybody mus' unite and tek back the country."
PSOJ's 'Stand for
Justice' schedule
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25
9.00 a.m. Radio stations play National Anthem
(also 12.01 p.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m.).
12.00 noon Radio stations all public asked to pause for
a moment of silence.
1.00 p.m. All businesses and offices closed
2.00 - 4.00 p.m. Memorial Emancipation Park.
THURSDAY, MAY 26
8.00 am Lay flowers at Trafalgar Park Memorial erected
by the Lions Club of downtown Kingston and the
Greening of Jamaica Foundation.
FRIDAY, MAY 27
Meeting with Government and Opposition representatives.
WHAT TO WEAR AND DO ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 25
All Jamaicans are invited to wear national colours green, black or gold.
All drivers are invited to drive with headlights on during the day.
All sectors are invited to meet at Emancipation Park educators, students, business people, employees, union leaders, civil society.
