Delroy Chuck
THE RECENT killings of two prominent May Pen businessmen, Maurice Azan and Lloyd Phang, inter alia, have spurred the business community to call for three days of protest against the escalating criminality.
Today, starting at 2:00 p.m., a massive rally will be held in Emancipation Park, presumably, to urge Jamaicans to unite against the unacceptable and scandalous spate of murders.
The business sector is obviously concerned, very concerned, and wants the government to act decisively to curb the rampant criminality.
STATE OF EMERGENCY
In the fight against crime, the government has failed to offer strong leadership. Now, the government could call a state of emergency, even a partial one, which may temporarily stem the rising crime wave. However, if it fails, then what?
Even though I think crime is definitely out of control, I rather doubt a state of emergency will solve the problem, and could have a devastating impact on the economy and the country's image.
Moreover, how long would this state of emergency last, and how would it better allow the security forces to find and apprehend the gunmen, gangs and known criminals?
In the long run, I believe a state of emergency would have a deleterious rather than a beneficial effect. What is more appropriate is for the institutions of justice to work, and work properly.
Sadly, the state has lost control and is no longer relied on for protection, security and the maintenance of law and order.
Many businesses and householders now depend on area leaders, security guards and technology to secure their life, limb and property.
FAILS TO DELIVER JUSTICE
The machinery of justice, like so many sacrosanct institutions in Jamaica, has fallen apart and fails to deliver justice in a timely manner. Victims of crimes lack faith in the state machinery, and turn to the dons to appease their burning rage.
When gang members are killed, they settle the score by revenge killings. Until the police regain the trust and confidence of the people, the bloodletting in the pursuit of jungle justice will continue.
The cleared up rate for crimes, including murders, is abysmal and, surely, sends the wrong signal that anyone can get away with murder.
Nowadays, even when persons are caught and charged with murders, it is only a question of time before they are released, as usually the witnesses fail to turn up, or the evidence is so weak that no court can safely convict.
To be sure, until the machinery of justice can speedily put away the killers, we will forever feel unsafe and insecure in our homes and businesses. That can only happen if the police investigate fully, garner evidence carefully and provide a court of law with compelling evidence to convict.
Yes, the police need our support, but not our unqualified support. When we are in a quandary, it is time to think our way out of the mess.
ACTIVISTS SPEAK OUT
When Bill Clarke, Scotiabank president and CEO, argues that "The men and women of the security forces need the unqualified support of every Jamaican," he must be very careful that he means only when they are acting within the law.
Human rights organisations and activists have come under immense pressure for highlighting and denouncing the abuses, atrocities and killings committed by men in uniform.
When human rights activists speak out, it is not that they hate or despise the police, they act in good faith and in the interests of justice and good sense, as policemen who act corruptly cannot be expected to gain our 'unqualified support'.
Ultimately, the only sure, short-term solution to control our escalating crime problem is for the police to work closely with the citizens to root out the criminals from within our midst, to act professionally and use good intelligence instead of brute force.
I have argued ad nauseam that it is the duty of the police to seek and gain the trust, confidence and support of the people. It cannot be that when the citizens support and confide in the police, they risk their safety and lives.
FRESH START
Now is the right time for a fresh start. For the police to engage every community, hold regular meetings, interact with everyone, and find a close working relationship with the citizens.
If the meeting in Emancipation Park is to achieve anything worthwhile, it would be to send the clear message that every community must unite with the police to emphatically denounce crime and those who benefit from it, to assist in the due process of law and ensure that criminals get their just deserts.
Delroy Chuck is an attorney-at-law and Opposition Member of Parliament. He can be contacted by email at delchuck@hotmail.com.
