US J'cans upset over end to State of Emergency
BY HAROLD BAILEY Sunday Observer writer
Sunday, July 25, 2010
NEW YORK, USA — Hotly debating the events which ended the State of Emergency in their homeland, Jamaican nationals here are concerned about a possible resurgence of high rates of murder and other criminal activities.
Interviews conducted by the Sunday Observer here, reveal that many Jamaicans are upset at the turn of events surrounding the State of Emergency.
Pennsylvania businessman, Hugh Robinson, said he was "upset over the entire affair", arguing that both sides should have worked harder to find common ground.
Cornel Henry, a former correctional officer, described as unfortunate, the stance taken by the Parliamentary Opposition. So too, said Keith N Smellie, head of the non-profit Ex-Correctional Officers Association.
Introduced at the height of the Christopher "Dudus" Coke extradition saga in May, the measure has been credited with Jamaica recording a significant reduction in murders, extortion and other violent crimes over the two-month period.
But on Tuesday, Opposition legislators abstained from voting for a second 30-day extension, offering a 15-day compromise instead, which the Government rejected.
The most scathing response came from Claudia Pyke who heads the New York chapter of Generation 2000, the young professional affiliate of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party.
Accusing People's National Party (PNP) parliamentarians of politicising the issue, Pyke urged the Government "to have the governor general declare another State of Emergency to continue the gains made so far in reducing the criminal activities".
While not making a direct link between the discontinuation of the State of Emergency and the murder of four people in Bog Walk, St Catherine Thursday night, Pyke noted that it might not be a co-incidence that the shootings took place on the very day the security forces ceased to have emergency powers.
Airline Johnson, a sales clerk, agreed with Pyke that the State of Emergency should not have been lifted.
But not everyone here is unhappy.
Former member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Dwight P Bailey for example, said the move was never intended to be a long-term crime-fighting tool.
 
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7/25/2010
State of emergency has been instrumental in reducing crime and most J'cans welcomed it, however it has also affected the lives of many poor law abiding Citizens especailly the market venders, we know those people always have to start their day at 3 and 4 am ending often @7-8pm. social life for others are out, so there has to be other ways to fight crime without imprisoning everyone.
7/25/2010
One other thing, to **otis grant**, keep in mind that many foreigners get killed in Jamaica as well. Most Jamaicans living there are very afraid. Used to be a time when Jamaicans were safe in their homes, not anymore. Loosing ones job is hard I cannot deny that, but losing a life his harder.
7/25/2010
In response to the former JCF person, I wonder how was his behaviour while he was a member of the force? No body wanted SOE for a long-term solution. Serious Gun crime started in Jamaica since the 70's, a total of approximately 40 years. The SOE lasted for how long? I think a year going to different troubled areas around the whole country would be good, as long as the police doing the job agree.
7/25/2010
Jamaica Observer, the Northeast of the USA is not the only location where "US J'cans" reside.
As a Jamaican residing in Florida and frequently in Jamaica, I am pleased to see the end of the State of Emergency but not the way in which it ended.
Giving such powers to a corrupt police force is irresponsible and Jamaicans should not have to live under a prolonged state of emergency, especially one that was initiated because of the dithering of the current administration over alleged criminals.
7/25/2010
Some folks in the US just love run off at the mouth & has no clue what's happening to the ppl in Ja. The officers needs to get with the program & do their jobs instead of rounding up innocent ppl & guessing Who, What & Why. How would u feel coming from work & u get dragged away, locked up for 60 days without charge because u happen to live in the ghetto? Come on ppl because you or your family is not close to it others should suffer for the government blunder I don't think so.
7/25/2010
of course the jamaicans who live in comfort overseas and have no fear of being locked up for 60 days without even being charged wouldnt mind extending the state of emergency? we all would like the crime to go down but how long do we keep the state of emergency? two years? do they know how many people have been locke away who were innocent, how many lost their jobs etc?
7/25/2010
So, hold the opposition accountable since they are the ones allegedly governing the country. LOL.
I will repeat that, until the criminal aiders and bettors in governance is held accountable, there will be no "moving on".
No government involved in obstruction of justice, aiding and abetting criminals and lying to the nation can lead a war on crime. Only the true worshippers and cheerleaders think this is possible without seeking accountability.
Why are we afraid to hold people accountable ?
7/25/2010
If I had my way I would call for a 1 yr "S.O.E". We cannot attract investors with the level of criminality that's in JA. Polticians don't make jobs, private investors do. So how on GOD'S earth the people will be put to work? The politcal tribalist that come on this blog with their closed mind, supporting a 15 day extension offered by the PNP, you are just more of the same & is expecting different results. The 30 Ext was requested by the security forces not the PM. Leave out the politics plsss.
7/25/2010
I personally would have like to see the state of the emergency for at least a year but its not the end of the world. they can use constant curfew and check points at all entrance and exit to these communites. do they know how they clean up new york. they use under cover police (plain clothes). Use video camera, camera, tape recorder so you have evidence in court for conviction. come on politicians it dont take a masters degree to figure this out. i wont stop visit Jamaica.
7/25/2010
"But on Tuesday, Opposition legislators abstained from voting for a second 30-day extension, offering a 15-day compromise instead, which the Government rejected."
It seems to me that the people politicizing this matter are the ones who are forgetting the above.
It might have also escaped them that the government can always go back to the GG for another State of Emergency.
To me the drop in murders had more to do with the fall of a criminal empire than the SOE.
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