Dennie Quill, Contributor
Americans woke up to a fresh new world of possibilities on Wednesday morning as they look to the presidency of the all-inspiring Barack Obama. A cool-headed purveyor of hope will take the reins of government at a time when America faces many challenges at home and abroad.
I can't help feeling some envy because when the sun rises over Jamaica these days, inevitably it is greeted by tears and pain. Every day families are soaked in grief as they mourn for loved ones who have fallen victims to criminals on the rampage. And it has an impact on all its citizens.
As sexual predators stalk our streets and murderers run amok, hope in the future is diminishing. Underlying the images of parents and relatives in anguish is the fact that innocent children are being abused, raped and killed with impunity. Lives are being shattered permanently.
The problem with our crime situation - and it is a big problem - is that no one in Government or Opposition has shown anything near the sense of urgency needed to reverse these worrying trends.
Challenges
Trust in our government to provide the means for the police to serve and protect us is something every Jamaican needs. Police Commissioner Hardley Lewin appears to be at his wit's end as to how to deal with the dysfunctional police force that he has inherited. Low morale, rank corruption, lack of intelligence, and limited resources are some of the challenges he faces.
Perhaps, like the rest of Jamaica, Commissioner Lewin thought he could look to the British imports for the requisite help in turning things around.
Where is the modernisation of the police force? The modern police forces that I have read about have enhanced data-gathering resources and are able to spot trends and warn citizens about lurking danger in their neighbourhoods such as drug and gang-related activity. We have no such available data which would at the very least, keep people out of harm's way.
Tax dollars
Our tax dollars should be put to work in the most effective way. Anti-crime measures must show results. The police force is far from being modern and crime is at an all-time high.
Beyond that the women of this country need to think about their own security. I have suggested to friends that the next growth area in this country will be the hiring of private bodyguards. But not many people will be able to afford such service. I am therefore appealing to government to lift any restrictions on mace, pepper spray, stun guns and other personal protective gear so that women can arm themselves whenever they go outdoors.
The police have demonstrated that they are unable to protect neighbourhoods and community. But here's a suggestion for Mr Lewin: you could establish a division for training citizens in the art of self-defence. Then we would be better equipped to stun the enemy, and kick our way to freedom in the event of an attack.
It is now well past the point of making excuses, the Minister of National Security and the heads of the security forces must demonstrate to the country that they have a plan.
Feedback may be sent to denniequill@hotmail.com or columns@gleanerjm.com
Low morale, rank corruption, lack of intelligence, and limited resources are some of the challenges
