THE EDITOR, Sir:

REGARDLESS OF ethnic background, level of knowledge or wealth, we are all people of Jamaica and in every society there are always going to be incidents of crime and violence. In recent years, criminals killed or maimed thousands of Jamaicans. Unlike in other dangerous pandemics, criminals ignore national borders and erupt in different places at different times. Experts disagree about the precise causes and try to do their best to explain any sudden eruptions.

Crime rates in Jamaica are on the rise almost everywhere on the island; frequently, the victims are as poor as the criminals. In recent news, corporate Jamaica intensified its cry against crime and violence on the island, calling for drastic measures in the wake of recent upsurge in high-profile violent incidents. This clearly demonstrates the inability of the Government to protect visitors and citizens of Jamaica.

Special task forces won't work

I am not a crime expert and no one should convince himself that he is, but having served three combat tours in Iraq, I have a firm grasp on how to counteract criminal activities. In the past, and possibly still in practice, the Jamaican Government has established special task forces (STFs) to fight crime and violence. Such attempts are like applying a Band-Aid on a wound that requires stitches. STFs, over a period of time, become very ineffective and are practically useless if funding is not available to maintain training. In addition, STF members are more likely to become corrupt themselves than conventional forces.

In my humble opinion, the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) is not being utilised effectively to help fight crime and violence on the island. Not to mention a conventional police force that is inadequately paid, not properly trained, has inferior equipment, is plagued with many questionable killings and lacks discipline among the ranks. Rather than easy-fix impulses, the Government should focus its attention on manoeuvring the security forces as a specific group that would focus on a specific mission. To start this process, corrupt officials (due to selfishness and greed) in the public and private sectors should be weeded out and dealt with sternly. Ordinary citizens of Jamaica should see this, thus enabling the message to come across clearly. Tough and enforceable laws are needed - no exceptions must be granted to the wealthy and politically connected.

Jamaica is a democratic society governed by a constitution and laws that should protect its citizens. Democracy is a very fragile system. The Government should work hard at reversing the rogue socialisation that allows key leaders and government officials to have a deceptive character that thrives on committing what is normally wrong because it is believed that it is not really bad - what's really bad is getting caught. Such mindset I refer to as Bredda Anansi mentality. These are my own views and recommendations and not of the United States Department of Defence.

I am, etc.,

CALVIN R. ALLEN

CPT, EN

Department of Defence