One of the popular solutions advanced in our search to reduce crime in Jamaica has and continues to be the dismantling of political garrisons. Regrettably, throughout my military career, I have often heard from civilians the solution of “flattening” areas over and over; ‘Just flatten Rema, Tivoli, etc, and the crime problem would be solved!’ they say. So, I have become very suspicious with proposed solutions like “dismantling political garrisons”. What exactly do people mean when they speak of dismantling garrisons?

One of the popular solutions advanced in our search to reduce crime in Jamaica has and continues to be the dismantling of political garrisons. Regrettably, throughout my military career, I have often heard from civilians the solution of “flattening” areas over and over; ‘Just flatten Rema, Tivoli, etc, and the crime problem would be solved!’ they say. So, I have become very suspicious with proposed solutions like “dismantling political garrisons”. What exactly do people mean when they speak of dismantling garrisons?

I have heard and read of all manner of definitions and descriptions of these political garrisons and, regrettably, the definitions and descriptions are as many and varied as provided for us in respect to terrorism. However, whatever the definition or description of these so-called political garrisons, one thing is sure, these are still communities in which Jamaican civilians live. They are not garrisons in the strict military dictionary meaning of the word. The communities can’t be “flattened” as if one was striking a military tented camp or shutting down a military stronghold and reducing the buildings to rubble. So just how is this dismantling exercise to be done?

I suspect that there are many who would still advocate and have implemented some sort of “ethnic cleansing” type of operation. I also suspect that those advocating dismantling of garrisons haven’t the slightest clue as to how they are going to go about doing so. What are the factors to be considered in this dismantling exercise?

If the social, political and economic factors of this dismantling exercise have been thoroughly thought out, it certainly must be one of Jamaica’s best-kept secrets. It is my opinion that, for far too long we have treated these communities and the people who live therein with scorn and derision. We have trampled all over their rights, murdered their innocent youngsters, and so often comforted ourselves with the thought that they are all just a bunch of criminals and are deserving of death by any means. And, if by chance a baby in a crib is slaughtered — and these things do happen — collateral death is acceptable. If the bodies of youngsters shot by our security forces are left to rot on the road for dogs and crows to take their pick, then so be it, because they are all a bunch of horrible criminals and deserve it. Their voices are very rarely listened to when they cry out for justice, and their leaders and defenders of their rights are demonised.

Despite all of that, they survive and are real, and out of what we regard as the cesspit of our country, they have produced many who have gone on to bring fame and glory to Jamaica — and, oh, how we love them then!

My point is, if we are anxious, as Jamaicans, to stop the obvious rot from within our society, we must be more caring of each other, regardless of our stations in life. Our laws must be just and administered fairly. If one innocent Jamaican is killed, it must be the business of all Jamaicans. If we “flatten” without a conscience, the back-blast is bound to hurt all Jamaicans in the long run, not just the criminals.

Colonel Allan Douglas is a retired officer of the Jamaica Defence Force. Comments: alldouglas@aol.com