Dear Editor,

As the debate about crime continues, allow me to make my contribution to the discussions, since it appears that the only thing being done about it is talk, talk, talk. In fact, we might be on the verge of developing another talk show, and it might as well be called “Crime talk”.

Crime has always been a problem in Jamaica and it is no secret that our politicians have fuelled the fire causing it to reach where it is today. But since the turn of the century the upsurge has adversely affected our growth and development as a country. It has affected us so badly that we can hardly listen to a newscast which does not include some reporting of criminality that took place.

The unfortunate truth with this monster called crime is that it affects the business and entrepreneurial classes. If the engine of a car is being hurt, then even the blind can see that it will not be able to go forward. It is so sad that those who are really trying to make the country stronger are the ones being affected.

Reverend Al Miller made some statements recently about matters surrounding the Dudus issue, and he was taken to task over his stance. For whatever reasons, the media jumped on it stirring what seemed to be controversial. We missed big time the legitimacy of his utterances.

He alluded to the fact that one of the reasons why we are having so much crime is the issue of justice. There is no justice and hence that in itself creates the culture of donmanship which is now uncontrollable. If our leaders had created a system where justice is done and is seen to be done, then dons would have a problem surviving, But the state has failed miserably and it leaves fertile grounds for the birth and germination of these “kingpins”.

We must first deal with the justice system if we are serious about stamping out crime. It cannot be done otherwise. Wrong as it may be, some people seek justice from the dons rather than the police because many believe that the state is incapable of rendering justice while the dons find ways to bring about their own brand of justice.

Melvin Pennant

warriorsunleashed@gmail.com