Dear Editor,

Jamaica has for years been trying to fix its crime problem. Several measures have been implemented, including the employment of experts from the United Kingdom and the deployment of the Jamaica Defence Force, to limited success. We still have not seen abatement in the fear of crime or a significant reduction in murders.

There has been a lot of criticism, both in public and private spaces, of Owen Ellington’s stewardship as commissioner of the Jamaica Constabulary Force. However, against popular poll, he has been doing an effective job. He has accelerated the pressure on corruption and created a first-class police image. The immutable fact is that the commissioner of police does not make laws. The police force needs effective legislation designed to tackle criminal activities, along with, of course, the assistance of the citizens. It is unfair and unconscionable to attribute all the social ills of the country to one person or entity.

It is my belief that if we separate the people from the problem, we will be better able to discuss the various issues that plague our country. We spend too much time talking about Commission Ellington and, as a result, the real problems are untouched.

The reality is, if you dismantle the Jamaica Constabulary Force and employ 20,000 foreign police officers and the fundamental issues are not dealt with change would be an exercise in futility. These issues include high unemployment, an apathy towards change, low self-esteem, lack of respect and love for our young children and elders, the ‘eat a food’ mentality, indiscipline on the roads, and an effective justice system.

Addressing the issues is key. As a people our way of thinking has to be adjusted in a more positive light. We cannot continue the killing in our churches, the abduction and raping of our children, and the callous attack on our security forces. What Jamaica needs is less talk and more action. We need mental change in our society. We need to show love, employ alternative dispute resolution to our problems, and positivity.

Look at Tessanne Chin’s performance on The Voice: The overwhelming support and unity, both locally and abroad, is the kind of intervention we need to build our country and suppress criminal activities.

As Mahatma Gandhi said: “You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is like an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.”

Let us work together, support the police, be that extra eye and separate the people from the problem.

Victor Barrett

Final-year student

Faculty of Law

University of the West Indies

Cave Hill Campus