Crime is at epidemic proportions. It damages individuals, society and inhibits all the good things we desire — family, growth, peace. We no longer go for quiet walks; many practices in Government, church, school are curbed — too risky. Children are sexualised, groomed, fondled; parents silenced by fear, food, gifts. But the biggie is, we are not even organising to repel but submit to criminals meekly — why?

The vulnerable grow — children, old folk. Many live alone — different profiles, same big threat. Criminals pursue their trade with impunity — stalk the vulnerable, pounce as opportunity presents. Businesses are at risk, so growth is in the crucible. We should now create security districts of contiguous firms for real-time defence, data-sharing, integrated CCTV as police arrive long after criminals are gone.

Minister Montague tries, but his head is so far up his hat; sound-bytes, moves — been there. Once-appointed ministers are experts, advised by self or the police who do such a great job — you think? They always want “more” vehicles, arms, toys, never offer “different” aka innovation. Have you ever seen a case here a la OJ Simpson’s? Detection, forensic evidence, police prepared, reasoned, speak English like counsel? They “clear-up” cases by killing alleged miscreants. Dead men tell no tales! Guilty? God only knows!

Jamaicans are not overly brave; we love life — mine first. Defining events as freedom, right to vote, independence won by resolute British activists were traversed to us. We never waged wars of attrition as Tainos or Haiti, Cuba, the Dom Rep. To die in action, lay down life for friends, is not in our lexicon. Anancy lives!

Tales of bereaved folk under the banner “Murder, mourning grip the nation” — (Gleaner March 7, 2017) were heart-rending. Cowardly men kowtow to killers without shame; I was so angry. Is “begging and pleading” heroism? Do men rise up to protect family or hide? “If we must die, let it not be like hogs”.

Is our fight or flight instinct disabled? Why would a man watch his kids brutally murdered then shed tears to the media? Disgusting! Friends, if it should come to this, be prepared to save your loved ones or die trying. We can beat them.

Mr Holness, Cabinet, the police help with white-collar crime but can’t protect from violence. They take statements, utter platitudes, fill body bags — no new thinking, strategy, or execution. Big egos mean their uptake of new ideas is slow unless from abroad or inside. When the police ask for help they want news, not strategy; they know it all. Yet Jamaica is no dystopian state, we have a lot of value and crime can be curbed by short-term measures — law, interdiction or behaviour modification, long-term hearts and minds.

We need both. The former, first to stay alive until the latter works. Police must catch criminals; modify public conduct using law, regulation, prompt enforcement, public education. When Singapore used the rod to correct, the West protested but public order improved quickly, the arc of crime was transformed, growth ensued. Cabinet can do, but are afraid of push-back from foreign donors. Poverty is a bitch!

What should Minister Montague do? Hearts change in God’s time but regulation, enforcement will change behaviour in the public space swiftly — do it, Sir! Next, activate districts via a civilian militia. The police use community policing for rapport, gather intel — often hearsay; grab some men and leave. This is not enough. They say do nothing and wait for police as we might be killed. Sir, we are killed waiting for police — Duh!

The ministry must galvanise our 500 districts and empower them by training to self-secure. It worked for Jackie DaCosta at PIOJ and the “100 best villages” competition to build civic pride and safety. Where is it now?

Next, our appeal to involve legal firearm holders in their areas gains traction. Even half of the 40,000 legally armed men and women would enhance security as their safety record is excellent. Despite scuttlebutt in the media our 10,000 police killed four-plus a week up to 2014; it fell to two a week in 2016 but legal guns do not kill one a month; empower them, Sir.

Minister, make policy on data, not hype! Take the recent gun club bullets issue; is it just smoke? The threat is high-powered weapons which are not in clubs. As a cadet at school we used a reloader as factory ammo was expensive. At UWI we shot at the range by the playing field and reloaded at the armory there. As a life member of the century-plus-old JRA the accountability was Bernard Cridland-style — harsh. Notions that 10 per cent of members’ bullets are sold to criminals are puzzling. Did police find members’ 200,000 (4,000 a week) shells at crime scenes in 2016, how many so far for 2017? Fake news or barefaced lies?

Some interest groups use our mendicancy to report us to donors and scare cabinets. Mr Holness must be brave. He talks tough and we await his innovative remedies with bated breath. Singapore was vilified when they used the birch on vandals, but they are now the icon of discipline and growth — winning erases all bad memories. But even if crime and murder stats decline, the threat remains as criminals come and go as they wish — Minister Montague, or the police, is no shackle to them!

Then, even if all is quiet we are not free as the high-powered guns are still out there. How many killers caught? Heavy weapons captured? Cabinet means us no good when it fails to empower us to protect our families, so we must organise — not as vigilantes — to survive. Be mentally prepared to fight back; don’t hide unless all hide — be a man; no retreat, no surrender; beg no murderer for mercy; just ask God’s forgiveness, act, kill the crook; be the last man standing. Minister Montague is all right. You think, prepare, resist; rise up to save yourself and loved ones — live with pride in Tainoland! Shame on all cowards! Stay conscious!

Franklin Johnston, D Phil (Oxon) is a strategist and project manager. franklinjohnstontoo@gmail.com