By Devon Evans, Gleaner WriterOCHO RIOS, St. Ann:
CHIEF OF Staff of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin says that transnational organised criminal activities, including the drug trade, are now posing a serious threat to Jamaica's democracy and the nation's way of life.
He said it now requires the will and commitment of the entire population to help rid the country of this threat, before the situation becomes uncontrollable.
Speaking at Wednesday night's weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of Ocho Rios, Rear Admiral Lewin said that while Jamaica was not under threat from any of its neighbouring states, a threat was coming from non-state actors.
"I submit that the greatest threat that we face today, and in the foreseeable future, are those groups of threats we call transnational threats. Transnational threats are organised criminal activities that go across state boundaries, across national boundaries."
He said the criminal activities include, but are not restricted to, illegal traffic in drug and other psychotropic substances, illegal traffic in arms and ammunition, money laundering and corruption and the violence associated with all those activities.
Rear Admiral Lewin said all of those threats existed in Jamaica, at present, that it was no wonder the country was suffering the collateral effects of the high rate of crime and violence in the society.
CURSE FOR THE COUNTRY
Pointing to Jamaica's long cherished strategic location within the Caribbean, he said this blessing for the Port Authority of Jamaica could also be seen as a curse for the country due to the convenience it provides for drug traffickers and money launderers.
The JDF Chief of Staff said it is estimated that approximately 100 metric tonnes of cocaine pass through, or around Jamaica's territory each year, although the country does not produce cocaine.
He observed that the problem was not that of the Americans, or other nationals, but one that Jamaica needed to take seriously, "because we in the country have our own fair share of the market and the users.'
Outlining reasons why every Jamaican should be bothered at this time, Rear Admiral Lewin noted:
- the drug trade is illegal;
- it is increasing the crime and violence levels;
- it is linked to the arms and ammunition trade and youths;
- it corrupts state officials and state institutions;
- it has a negative effect on legitimate business;
- there is the problem of drug abuse and the attendant social consequences,
as well as the negative reputation of Jamaica and Jamaicans.
He advised that Jamaicans should take heed of events in other neighbouring countries and not allow themselves to be placed in a position where they have to learn the lesson that others have learnt before. "We have to be able to learn from the others around us who are suffering much greater than we are and take the necessary measures to deal with it."
