Smith

With murders for the year now surpassing the 100 mark and very little to suggest that things will get better anytime soon, president of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce, Lloyd B. Smith, is lamenting the nonchalant attitude of the state towards the incessant bloodletting in St James.

"Because most of these murders are taking place in the so-called inner-city or squatter areas, I get the impression that there is not much urgency in dealing with it," said Smith, a senior journalist and newspaper publisher.

"I hate to say it, but I believe if these murders were taking place in the upper echelons of society, or in the tourist area, the response would have been different," he added.

Wanton murders a way of life

Despite numerous initiatives and changes in the parish's police high command, St James remains a parish where wanton murders have seemingly become a way of life with more than 100 murders every year. Last year there were a record 216 killings.

"St James needs special attention and it is not just from the police; the Government needs to take a proactive approach in the matter," continued Smith.

"We need to see proper social intervention programmes in place and we need to see workable measures in place to get to the root cause of these murders," Smith said.

Within recent years, the infamous 'Lotto Scam', which the police say has been fuelling the criminal underworld with millions of dollars to finance illicit activities, including the procurement of illegal firearms, has primarily been blamed for the murders.

Bloodletting continues

However, despite the arrest of several major players in the illicit scam, the bloodletting has continued.

Deputy Superintendent Michael Campbell, who works closely with JOLT (Jamaican Operations Linked to Telemarketing), the latest initiative by the police to take on 'lotto scammers', said there had been some impact but was quick to point out that it was too early to see the full extent of the work.

"We have arrested several persons and there are numerous cases before the court," said Campbell.

"Nonetheless, you must appreciate that these cases are very technical, as whatever evidence is presented must be able to stand up in court," he said.

Despite the policeman's optimism about JOLT, Smith has no intention to sit back and wait.

In fact, he is demanding the involvement of local political leaders in the debate to find solutions.

"We need to hear from our political representatives … we need to know what they are doing," argued Smith.

"It seems as if they have divorced themselves from the matter and that is totally unacceptable."

adrian.frater@gleanerjm.com