Garth Rattray

SOME ASPECTS of the recent reprisal killings in Arnett Gardens remind me of a close shave that I had some years ago. I assisted a family friend by transporting a few hardware items to her home in Kintyre. Ten minutes after I left, she called to say that a group of young men armed with high-powered rifles had just walked up and randomly murdered two people (a male visitor and his female friend from the community) as they sat and chatted in a car parked about 20 feet (six metres) from her gate.

Reprisal killings are rife. A few weeks ago, several Torrington Park residents were murdered by heavily armed insurgent gangland cronies. They also looted and fire-bombed homes. Some families were internally displaced and remaining residents made the usual mistake of calling for a police presence and for politicians to intervene; both are short-term and futile measures.

Superintendent of Police Delroy Hewitt pointed out that the violence was gang-related, yet, panic-stricken citizens complained that they "had not seen or heard from their political representatives". So, South St. Andrew representative and Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Omar Davies, toured the 'war-torn' community. Part of the tour was aired on TVJ news. Frightened residents used the media exposure to push for a police post, but Dr. Davies rightfully asserted that he needed to get to the heart of the matter.

One sorely disappointed resident blustered (off camera, of course), "We need Bruce", referring to Opposition Leader, Bruce Golding. Her outburst was obviously meant to galvanise Dr. Davies and the ruling People's National Party into some sort of action. But, what can Bruce do? In fact, what can any politician do short of pumping billions of dollars into underprivileged communities or transforming our country into a socialist and/or police state?

Strength from within

Violence will continue even if the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) forms the next official government because (in reality) many inner-city communities are subjugated by local gangs that form unofficial, 'alternative governments'. They supersede any duly elected administration. They make their own laws, carry out trials, retaliation, provide limited protection and financial assistance to residents under their 'jurisdiction'. They, however, also demand subservience, fealty, the shunning of all 'outside authority' and carry out cold-bloodied violence on their so-called enemies (rival gangs from adjoining, similarly oppressed communities).

Murderers of men, women and children eat, sleep and live among people that shelter and support them. Their friends and family members are fully aware of, and sometimes benefit from, their wicked deeds. However, the majority of inner-city dwellers are honest and decent people. They must stop depending on one authority figure or the other (politicians or gangsters - both with enlightened self-interests) for support and protection. Their greatest strength lies within themselves.

Unity for change

If inner-city residents truly want peace (and not merely an occasional, fragile ceasefire), they must remember that they are all Jamaicans with far more similarities than differences; bury the hatchet; unite and rely on each other to solve the problems that precipitate violence. Once peace exists, outsiders (govern-ment bodies, non-governmental organisations and private businesses) will be able to invest time and money to assist them in developing themselves.

With a little faith, courage and commitment, the besieged citizens can unite, rise up and say "enough is enough". Parents, siblings, girl-friends, babymothers and children of gunmen must say, "No more!" Until that day, lives and property will continue to be lost because no Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition or Minister of Security can force peace upon any community.