When the smoke clears, get rid of garrisons
Dear Editor,
I said the following in 2005:
“If the current political establishment is a barrier to change and if the(se) desired changes reduce its power … how does one overcome the obstacle of the resistance of the political establishment to (the) desired change? This question assumes that the solution is political. Through political action at the grass-roots (as against at the party level), the Jamaican political elite will be forced to make the necessary changes. This is the lesson of history.” – The Fear Factor, Don Barker 2005.
The state of emergency is the last desperate measure in a government’s arsenal when dealing with civil disorder. After the state of emergency, it cannot be business as usual as the prime minister’s address would suggest. When the smoke clears and Dudus is in captivity or otherwise “neutralised”, things will revert to the status quo – if Jamaicans allow it. There will be a new “president” of Tivoli, the garrisons will continue – until the gang gets too ambitious and it spills over again.
To break this cycle, the media, the church, the private sector, ordinary Jamaicans – most of whom are not affiliated with either party – should continue to organise to maintain the pressure on the political elite, and Golding in particular, to “degarrisonise” Jamaica. This will require leadership from the top, a temporary coalition government of the parties – to set the tone. Former Commissioner Lewin should also be brought out of retirement as a consultant. He obviously has the experience and integrity to guide the government on improving the police force. These temporary and emergency measures will aim at acheiving consensus on Jamaica’s most immediate and pressing problems – crime, the gangs and the garrisons. The party leaders will have to take turns at being prime minister, but their Cabinet must be made up of Opposition leaders as well. This assumes a certain maturity and integrity on the part of our political leaders – to unite at this time for the nation’s good. Sadly, this maturity and integrity is rare among our political elite at this time.
Don Barker
Ottawa, Canada
donovanbarker@yahoo.com
