THE EDITOR: Sir:
RECENTLY THREE males attached to the National Youth Service (NYS) were murdered in separate incidents over a two-week period. As an organisation strategically engaged in curbing anti-social and violent behaviour among youths, the incidents have enforced the urgency of building a critical mass of pro-social youths to help turn back the culture of violence threatening to take over Jamaica.
It is well known that young males are the main victims and perpetrators of violent crimes in the society. In the three incidents referred to, there are indications that two died at the hands of violent youths within their age group. The third died at the hands of an alleged murderer while in custody of the police.
We extend our sympathies to the bereaved families as they come to terms with their loss. In the same vein, we wish to bring to the attention of the nation again, the vulnerabilities of our youths to all kinds of negative influences as well as the extent to which youths are endangered in our society.
The NYS believes the solutions to the problems of violence have to be multifaceted, with more deliberate strategies to address the root causes. In that regard, we have just concluded a phase of engagement of peace facilitators (youth aged 15-19 years) from major violence-prone areas in inner-city Kingston, Spanish Town and Montego Bay. These 90 youths are available to the peace development process of our country.
Since we take the position that the media have to play a major role in helping to set the agenda for a more gentle, secure and safe Jamaica, please allow us to use this medium to call the attention of the public to the media campaign against gender-based violence. It is our view that acceptance of gender-based violence is one of the root causes of violence that we must address urgently along with others.
I am, etc.,
ADINHAIR JONES (REV)
Executive Director
NYS
