THE EDITOR, Sir:
AS I could not participate in the forum on crime, as a concerned citizen, I am using this medium to make my contribution as follows:
Gender clearly now must be seen to mean more than women's issues. Jamaica urgently needs a Plan of Action for Men as part of the effort to address the root causes of crime.
The figures for crime and road traffic accidents over the last few years show that Jamaica has a very serious problem with the anti-social behaviour of a significant section of its male population. Indications are that violence in schools is an increasing problem especially among boys. It seems that on average, the drop-out rate among boys is higher and their academic performance lower. Fewer males have been graduating from UWI. Few men attend church (churchgoers appear to be mainly female, if my own church with over 80 per cent female attendance is a reflection of this trend). Whereas indiscipline is pervasive in the society as a whole, it appears, undisciplined and extremely aggressive behaviour is more pronounced in the males. Young males in inner-city areas are basically killing each other in gang wars and sour drug deals. The figures clearly show this.
Jamaica needs a National Plan of Action for Males as part of the effort to address the root causes of crime and violence and as part of its overall development strategy. Perhaps, there is need to declare a 'Year of the Jamaican Male' in which to focus on the problems facing, particularly, the young males between the ages of 10 and 25 and to develop a Plan of Action for their rehabilitation, development and integration into society. The aim should be to implement this plan in a follow-up 'Decade of the Male'. This does not mean that the concerns of women will be accorded a lower priority. It means that as a nation, we are facing reality. The development of Jamaica requires the positive contribution of both its men and women.
I am, etc.,
LIBLANCE MORGAN
Kingston 20
