THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE ANNOUNCED closedown of business and commercial activity on Wednesday by the private sector-led organisations will not have the desired effect of mobilising the citizenry in support of their call for action to improve personal security and law and order in the country. What is needed now is a deliberate enunciation by the Government and leaders of the country of a programme to correct the well-known and blatant weaknesses and inadequacies in our justice and security systems.
This programme must include urgent and deliberate action on a national scale, designed to transcend politics and personal interest groups. The token action being encouraged is more likely to further frustrate and dampen the spirits of the citizenry, as it will lead to no new or different results in their lives.
The average, well-meaning citizen would be far more impressed by a public call to the political leadership of both sides for an unequivocal public announcement of action against criminal organisations and groups in the so-called garrison areas, which will lead to an orderly return to the control by the state of the socio-economic activity in those communities.
By this clear and unmistaken declaration and intent by our leaders, a way will be paved for a national effort to be initiated, whereby the state agencies of security and justice can be restructured for greater effectiveness in achieving 'justice for all'. This process, which cannot be quick, and will certainly be painful and perhaps even bloody, is the only means of reversing current trends.
It is clear that many other initiatives will have to accompany the thrust to dismantle the criminal organisations, but this first step is a sine qua non for any successful reversal of lawlessness and insecurity in our country.
PERSONAL SACRIFICE
In making this call for action from our Government and political leaders, we must recognise the awesome implications for those who are currently enjoying the 'benefits' of the system now in place. It will require outstanding statesmanship and personal sacrifice and risk.
It will be highly controversial, as the dismantling of the status quo will leave many individuals in a social and/or economic 'no man's land'. The process will be an extreme challenge to our national character, and must be faced if our country is to avoid being seen as a failing state.
This is the call which our private sector leaders must make and to which all well-thinking Jamaicans will demonstrate their support.
I am, etc.,
DOREEN MORGAN
Kingston
