NATIONAL Security Minister Peter Bunting’s Sectoral Debate presentation, last Wednesday, contained a particular feature which many Jamaicans and major stakeholders may have glibly noticed, but which zeroed in on one of the most important aspects of crime fighting in Jamaica that has not been given sufficient focus. I refer specifically to his inviting well-known dancehall and reggae artiste Queen Ifrica to Parliament in response to her recent song, Corrupt System, which has been informally referred to as “Don’t Cry, Mr Bunting”.

According to Minister Bunting, the song is an eloquent and poetic example of constructive criticism. “Unlike some in Opposition and media…whose consistent chorus is: ‘Crime is going up… blame the Government’, Queen Ifrica’s song is one of concern and makes some very constructive suggestions. In fact, I will weave some of the lyrics from that song into this sectoral presentation.”

Take a bow, Queen Ifrica, for using your Jah-given talent in such a constructive and inspiring way. Wish more in our entertainment industry would follow suit, instead of the meaningless drivel that they churn out every day in a bid to appeal to the lowest common multiple.

But beyond Queen Ifrica’s potent and timely lyrics is the burning issue of the role of women in crime in this country, especially as it relates to the criminal acts of young men. It is an area of our everyday life in Jamaica that is often overlooked, because still ingrained in our minds is the perception that women are the fairer sex, gentle and non-combative. In real terms, however, this is so far from the truth. I have sought to get some data on the participation of women in criminal activities in Jamaica and came up with very little information. Perhaps, this is an area that academics at our various universities and other places of learning should delve into by way of research. I say this because, without fear of contradiction, I am positing that women are heavily involved in criminal activities in this country more than meets the eye. And in that same breath I am intimating that our women have it in their power to help to influence a dramatic decrease in murders and other violent crimes, inclusive of rape, perpetrated across the length and breadth of Jamaica by males.

Usually, for the most part, women have been blamed for washing the bloody clothes of their murderous sons, boyfriends, husbands or close male relatives. However, that is not all they do. They are often the main beneficiaries of the ill-gotten gains. Indeed, have we ever wondered how so many women in crime-ridden areas are able to live so well? They demand and require expensive clothes, dazzling jewellery, high-priced hairstyles, etc. It is no secret that, in many instances, the men are coerced into a life of crime in order to satisfy the insatiable appetites of their womenfolk.

Picture this scenario. A young man is unemployed and moreso unemployable. In the ghetto, if he cannot afford to take care of his woman with material things “him nah say nutten!” This means that he will not be able to “have gal in a bundle”, so what does he have to do? He has to beg, steal or borrow. At first, he may resort to being parasitic; begging a “let-off” from all and sundry, including the politicians, but such a survival route is most times not sustainable. His next recourse is to become a predator; preying on society in an aggressive and violent manner to satisfy his needs and wants. Of course, to carry out such acts he will need to have the necessary tools to ensure success by way of enforcement and intimidation as well as protection. Enter the gun.

Becoming a feared gunman is the route to be dubbed “a king man”, a “don” or a “shotta” of class. I am told that in the inner-city many of the women love and admire males who “bleach” and wear sagging pants, complemented by eye-catching hairstyles, earrings, very tight clothing, and who are “wicked inna bed”. These women tend to have more influence on their men than we think, and can, if they wish, steer them away from a life of crime and violence.

I recall some years ago when some women in a Brazilian suburb decided to collectively withhold sex from their men in order to get them to cease from being involved in a violent gang war. I am not clear as to the outcome but, seriously, maybe our women in Jamaica should have a go at it. Seriously, though, when all is said and done, our women must take stock of themselves and devise ways and means to help combat crime in this country. They must decide to become a part of the solution rather than the problem.

The story has been told of a young man in the ghetto who decided to pursue the straight and narrow path. He went to school up to university level, got a good job and then decided that he wanted to settle down with a nice young lady he had met in his neighbourhood. She quizzed him about his background and without hesitation he gave her what he thought was a most impressive profile. She then asked him, “Are you a gunman?” His reply: “No way!” Her glib response: “So how you going to protect me?” End of argument. Boy does not get girl.

Despite this focus on our women, it must be stressed that men have their role to play; especially fathers in relation to the protection of their daughters and the nurturing of their sons. That is why I am all for strategic legislation to deal with “deadbeat dads”, while embarking on a national public education campaign to engender better parenting.

But Jamaica is a matriarchal society. Mother takes precedence in the ghetto. So many artistes sing and “big up” mama, and most criminals when cornered or are about to be killed usually bawl out for their mother. Mothers, therefore, have a critical role to play in crime fighting.

For starters, Queen Ifrica can set out to persuade her women colleagues in the entertainment field to focus more on their lyrics inspiring our women to help save Jamaica from a constant diet of crime and violence. Let’s spread love, not war.

Lloyd B Smith is a member of parliament and deputy speaker of the House of Representatives. The views expressed are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of the People’s National Party or the Government of Jamaica.

lloydbsmith@hotmail.com