THE EDITOR, Sir:
PLEASE ALLOW me to comment on three police matters. I have nothing but sympathy for the good men and women of the Jamaica Constabulary Force. I have pity on the bad ones who abuse their positions, their uniform, and the privilege of being paid public servants. It is quite unfortunate that one bad Irish potato can serve to spoil the whole barrel. Having had to help out around my father's farm while growing up in Spaldings, I know though that it was always easy to locate the bad potato before it could do much harm.
It should not be difficult for the police to institute self-policing strategies, which could lead to excoriation of bad cops. The stench of people living above their means is probably more repulsive and evident than the malodour from a rotten potato.
My second comment might be controversial, but so be it. I am concerned that our crime-fighting strategies do not include any consideration for the care and well being of the children and spouses of gunmen who have been killed or removed by the police. I support the view that Police Community Relations can play a significant role in crime prevention, and mutual trust is obviously essential to such relations. Trust has to be built on a good foundation, if it is to be lasting. The relief which is felt when gunmen are killed might not last long if their immediate families are young women and children, who are left under the wings of surviving gangsters or consorts. Are we not seeing and feeling the might of the second and third generation gunmen?
This disease of crime and violence is contagious. I believe that there is justification for using public funds to care for some of the affected ones. It is just possible that many of them might welcome an opportunity to lead a different kind of life.
Thirdly, I would like to suggest that our Government and the private sector work together to create development projects which carry sustainable employment potential for Jamaicans. So many of our people have lost their jobs, and so many have left school and have not been able to find employment. It is dishonest to be hiding behind claims that we are producing unemployables. Those who can migrate continue to do so, and are finding employment elsewhere. So true, Buju Banton, so true, "opportunity is a scarce, scarce commodity", and Bob Andy "we'd like to ask you leaders, what have you got in mind?" People need work. This must not be made to become a police matter!
I am, etc.,
DUNBAR MCFARLANE
George Town
Grand Cayman
