Jamaica Yearns for Peace

By: Leroy A. Binns Ph.D.

The island paradise of Jamaica which is oftentimes associated with the likes of reggae superstars Jimmy Cliff and the deceased Bob Marley, Olympic greats Donald Quarrie and Merlene Ottey and educators Rhodes scholar Rex Nettleford and the late sociologist Carl Stone also has the dubious distinction of being the country with the second highest murder rate in the world.

In acknowledgement of an accelerating situation leading to a widespread outcry for the resignation of the government, particularly the Minister of National Security and Justice K.D. Knight, Prime Minister P.J. Patterson spoke to the nation on the 3^rd of September 1999 to outline possible solutions to crime. In his televised message, the head of state introduced some measures which incorporated a new crime fighting outfit to concentrate on the introduction of and implementation of intelligence gathering in collaboration with local and international assistance. The elimination of the shipment and utilization of unauthorized guns and drugs along with the extinction of extortion practices were also addressed. In addition similar emphasis was placed on the need for increased searches, traffic checkpoints, roadblocks and curfews and the purchasing of vehicles, dogs and equipment. Thus far Police Superintendent Reneto Adams has been appointed to spearhead the new anti-crime squad and arrangements are presently underway to house, staff and fully operate the unit nevertheless skepticism prevails

Over the past 23 years attempts have failed miserably

Crime Squads

Squads                                                                                    Year Introduced

Echo Squad                                                                             1976

Ranger Squad                                                                          1980

Eradication Squad                                                                   1981

Area Four Task Squad                                                            1986

Operation Ardent                                                                    1992

SACTF (ACID)                                                                      1993

Operation Crest                                                                      1995

Operation Justice                                                                    1995

Operation Dovetail                                                                 1997

Organized Crime Unit                                                            1998

Operation Intrepid                                                                  1999

Source: The Jamaica Gleaner

In fact Information Minister Maxine Henry-Wilson has recently confirmed that the most recent Operation Intrepid which was launched in 1999 to confiscate illegal guns has been unsuccessful.

Incompetence is partly intertwined with economic contraction which has forced the closure of a large number of local businesses, moved operations overseas or caused downsizing in light of growing competition from imports and high interest rates leaving more Jamaicans marginalized with the burden of transportation, retail and housing cost increases.

With a backdrop of poverty approximated at 40% and unemployment and underemployment at 50% teacher Cheryl Gayle’s recorded comment in response to the new strike is most fitting, “What I would want is more jobs creation. People need jobs, they are desperate for them. If there are no jobs, we are going to have the same old problems.” For others police corruption such as alleged involvement in the safe transfer of US bound cocaine through Jamaica to the Bahamas among many other noteworthy transgressions also present a contradiction.

Problems abound as the political parties refuse to acknowledge that their associations with criminal elements in the 1970s cultivated violence. Instead they blame opponents for promoting “garrison communities” in which gangs controlled constituencies under the direction of politicians and rallied the troops during elections – an accusation recently voiced by Opposition Leader Edward Seaga. Secondly the leadership (PNP and JLP) that now seems genuine in its attempts to reverse the tide it once fostered has long been confronted with limited resources to revitalize urban centers thus giving rise to destructive forces in the form of “dons” and hoodlums comprised of deportees.

In view of such hopelessness many citizens have resorted to lawlessness. Consequently many observers confirm the acceptance of “dons” who have acquired the role of local politicians in inner city communities and the escalation of thugs who are responsible for murders, racketing, burglaries and car jackings. In essence the state of affairs in many urban societies ranging from schooling to housing is defined by the kingpins the newly ordained local providers while other notorious lawbreakers including an overwhelming number of deportees are seeking to establish turf in the abovementioned areas.

Murder Rate per 100,000 inhabitants

Year                                                    Rate

1996                                                    35.6

1997                                                    39.9

1998                                                    36.8

1999                                                    N/A

2000                                                    N/A

Source: The Jamaica Gleaner

Total Number of Homicides

Year                                                  Number

1996                                                    925

1997                                                    1,038

1998                                                    953

1999                                                    505 (to July)

2000                                                    681 (to early Oct)

Source: The Jamaica Constabulary Force

Jamaican Deportees from the US

Year                Total                For Criminal reasons              For Non Criminal Reasons

1996                1,184                           1009                                        175

1997                1,789                           1,228                                       561

1998                1,805                           1,196                                       609

1999                N/A                             N/A                                         N/A

2000                N/A                             N/A                                         N/A

Source: The Jamaica Constabulary Force

Note: The total number of deportees on the island when including former Jamaican residents from Canada and the UK could significantly escalate.

The eminent threat to more lives and properties along with the possibility of monumental flight of human resource and capital fuels debate. Most recently major business leaders including representatives of the PSOJ met with the prime minister, the minister of national security and Justice, Major General John Simmonds Chief of Staff of the Jamaica Defense Force and the Commissioner of Police Francis Forbes to discuss applications to eradicate crime. Despite silence by most attendees following their closed door session Peter Moses, president of PSOJ has gone on record charging the government to take the lead whereas a non participant public defender Howard Hamilton was vocal regarding the injection of large sums of capital by the private sector into poverty-stricken localities.

There has likewise been frustration at what some define as the messenger’s partial solutions. Anthony Chang the president of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce spoke publicly of Patterson’s omission namely on the subject of police motivation while others are concerned about his unwillingness to enlighten the audience concerning the governing body’s intentions to finance this plan of action.

In order for the blueprint to be a success the government of Jamaica must feverishly address poverty, unemployment, education and police dissatisfaction. The Poverty Eradication Program is in need of adequate staff and funds to undertake the task to which it is assigned. Moreover with growing unemployment due to limited education and business closures contributing to mounting destitution the administration must design programs to better primary and secondary education. Such innovations may include the restructuring of teachers’ curricula to focus on the primary concerns of students, the introduction of creative inducements for these professionals to perform effectively and the acquisition of equipment for schools. Further there is also an obligation to forge meaningful overtures to attract foreign investors who will in return hire the unemployed.

The Jamaica Constabulary contingent and to some extent the Jamaica Defense Force are at the eye of the storm and therefore are in need of the country’s full support. The regime’s affirmation must entail added training (to offset police brutality and establish comradeship), the building and modernization of facilities, the initiation of incentives, salary increases and expeditious response to police corruption. In the spirit of cooperation the public’s engagement with the securities forces is essential to national safety. Joint ventures which may consist of community events will foster the level of confidence needed to drastically reduce crime.

It is equally important that the management enters into negotiations with foreign governments and NGOS to gain fiscal and personnel assistance that is required to sustain this crucial battle. Leadership, manpower, facilities, equipment and money will be imperative for an extended period to fight against existing evil.

In short the country’s economic recovery is held hostage to “Rambo style” tactics which will continue unabated if the new initiatives become fleeting memories. Jamaica cries aloud for swift justice and prosperity.