The following is a statement issued by Prime Minister P J Patterson on yesterday's protest against crime and violence by the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica.

PATTERSON. today must mark the end of the blame game

TODAY'S protest, organised by the private sector, signifies that we still care as a nation and that there is a need for us to be totally united in the search for peace in Jamaica.

It must be more than a one-day demonstration of solidarity with our security officers who put their lives on the line daily to protect us.

Their ability to succeed depends on every one of us. If any of us have been providing opportunities for gunmen to profit from criminality, if in our criticisms we have weakened our security forces, if we have given succour to gunmen, if we have been turning a blind eye to wrongdoing, then we must accept our share of responsibility for the state of the nation.

Today must mark the end of the blame game. People may have different opinions about how we have come to this and how we can improve the effectiveness of our security forces and policing capabilities. However, there can be no disagreement that the level of brutality and savagery that we see in the murders that are committed is frightening.

The vast majority of Jamaicans are caring, look after their neighbours and are ready to share the little that they have with those who have even less. To be poor does not make you a savage or a brute. Poor people in Jamaica are warm, loving, kind and law abiding. They are proud and they are prepared to work hard to support themselves and their families.

We must make a distinction between poor Jamaicans and those who seek to amass wealth through illegal activities. These have chosen a life of crime. They have no regard for anyone. They are not poor.

I am asking the Jamaican people to support the government and the security forces in this difficult, dangerous and long-term fight against crime and violence.

There is no easy answer or solution that will produce results overnight. Jamaicans must be prepared for a long hard fight. But we must never give up. And we must never lose hope as a nation. No government in the world can successfully fight crime alone and without the cooperation of its citizens. It is virtually impossible for a murder to be committed without the knowledge of at least a third party.

After today, how many mothers will turn in their sons? After today, how many communities will refuse to give cover to these known gunmen?

Our country is experiencing unspeakable grief. Too many of us have been silent for too long and at times even supportive of wrongdoing.

Our silence has emboldened the criminals. We must all be prepared to support the mothers, families and communities that are ready to talk.
Today, let us honour our dead by breaking our silence on this vicious cycle of violence.

Feeding the multitude

DANGEROUS PETS

Pepper Pot