THE EDITOR, Sir:
THERE IS no quick fix for our crime situation in Jamaica. I do believe though that it can be fixed, albeit that the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJN) seems to be only affected when one of their prominent members becomes a victim.
Maybe the brutal slaying of Maurice Azan was the proverbial last straw to break the camel's back. Whatever the reason, it is significant that individuals across the length and breadth of Jamaica are getting fed up of this crisis of crime in our country.
More than a ceremonial lockdown and march though, we need to see a barrage of PSOJ-sponsored programmes aimed at crippling this critical cycle of crime culture that seems to have a vice grip hold on Jamaica.
These programmes need to target the young mainly. They should provide marketable skills training (done to international standards), training in values and attitudes and sports among other things.
POOLED EFFORTS
I know this happens in isolated pockets and I'm sure that those who are involved have high hopes of making major positive changes in the lives they touch.
But what if these efforts were to be pooled under one umbrella, with a list of objectives generally agreed on by the members of the PSOJ? Could we see a synergy emerging here?
And what if the Government were to step in and offer attractive tax incentives to participating businesses?
What if they were to themselves come up with programmes which will offer benefits to sponsoring businesses?
Could we begin to see some lethal attacks on crime, violence, and corruption in our beloved country? Could we begin to see a redirecting of extortion funds?
Could we begin to see a change in the present taste of the Jamaican population for the report of crime and violence, giving the sense that this is normal for Jamaica? After all, the majority of Jamaicans are decent law-abiding citizens.
In showing solidarity with the PSOJ and others, I too am fed up with what is happening to our country. And yes, I'd say 'lock down' not your businesses though, but lock down crime, violence and corruption. And let us open to ourselves and to our children a future Jamaica that is a safe place to live.
I am, etc.,
CHARLES EVANS
Charock01@yahoo.com
Manchester
