By Damion Mitchell, Staff ReporterPEARNEL CHARLES, one of two aspirants for leadership of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), said on Tuesday that the Government's approach to dealing with crime was not appropriate.
"The solution to crime is not a military one," he told members of the Rotary Club of St. Andrew at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston adding that he was not "not happy" with Operation Kingfish, the Government's latest initiative to curb crime.
In announcing Operation Kingfish, Peter Phillips, the National Security Minister, said it was targeting the heads of some 85 gangs in the country.
But in his recent address to Rotarians, Charles criticised the new anti-crime effort.
GOING AFTER THE 'SPRAT'
"Going after the kingfish with the guns and the soldiers and the police without going after the 'sprat' with social and economic problems is a waste of time," the JLP politician asserted.
He said if he should become prime minister, he would adopt a more proactive approach to crime fighting. "If we are waiting for the murders to be committed we would add them daily," he remarked.
Mr. Charles also described the Government of being unfriendly to business operators whom he said were key players in the reduction of crime, as it has not provided conditions for them to operate profitably.
"He (the business operator) is one of the best tools for law and order... And it's a stupid Government that uses taxation to put the businessman out of power," said Mr. Charles.
The leadership aspirant added that should he be elected as the leader of the JLP come November 6 and ultimately as Prime Minister, he would ensure that the prejudice against outstanding female performers in the workplace is eradicated.
He said that while national figures indicate that more women were excelling in academics compared to men, many of them, though qualified, were still not being offered vacant top positions in the workplace.
