Dear editor,

There is a management deficit killing us in Jamaica.

Roads

There seems to be no system in place to maintain roadways. Hence the expansive system of roads in Jamaica is left to disintegrate after costing tens of millions of dollars to lay down. It would be nice to reactivate a Public Works Department-like system which will constantly monitor and repair roads in each parish. Is that too hard to ask? How about placing a member of the NWC on each roadwork team so pipes can be fixed while building roads and not dug up after they are done?

Water In 2017 we were almost washed away by flooding. All across the country there was constant rain for weeks in Portland, St Ann, Clarendon, and most of western Jamaica wreaking havoc. Less than a year later, in 2018, we are seeing drought-like conditions across the country. If this isn’t incompetence I don’t know what is. Is it too hard to build more dams and water collection facilities to harvest more water so we can prepare to avoid these kinds of dilemma?

Crime Our good name has been mired in crime for way too long. Criminals appear to have the upper hand. How about making more examples of those involved in criminality across the board? Begin with the little things like roadside vending, squatting, crassness among drivers on the roads, public disorder and delinquency among students. Is that so hard to implement?

Justice Why are clerks putting five and six cases or more for trial on a court list for the same day? How will a trial be possible for all? Why are persons still being released on bail after being accused of specific crimes multiple times? Can’t those in the justice system schedule matters and dispose of matter based on their age and importance to clear backlogs? Let justice be seen not just heard.

Policing personnel Why in the 21st century junior members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) are still being flung far and wide to work like they are indentured slave? How practical is it to place officers out of their way then expect sterling service from them? Can the top brass of the JCF not see the benefit of placing members to work where they are most comfortable and where they can attend to their families? It appears nonsensical, punitive, and poor management to allow such a travesty to continue. Treat police officers like humans and watch their level of service rise. Do the right thing and transfer officers to work where they are closer to home and less stressed.

We seem to disregard prudent management practices to our detriment. May some of these ideas be adopted by the powers that be.

Joseph Edwards