The rise of gang violence in Haiti is not a new phenomenon but the present preponderance of violence in that country is fast rendering it a failed State.

There are many reasons or excuses that one could give for this sad state of affairs. One could argue, for example, that the historical precedence of French recrimination consequent upon Haiti’s bold declaration of independence may be the culprit. Some may say that Haiti has, for too long, been used as the playground for metropolitan powers like the United States that have robbed it of its dignity, rendered it powerless as a self-governing State, or otherwise denied it the economic opportunities that could make it a productive nation.

Perhaps the most salient explanation lies at the doorsteps of all Haitians owing to their lack of will as a people to seize command of their own destiny, forge an alliance among themselves out of the disunity that presently exists, and develop the fortitude to make their country a self-respecting governing democracy. I know this point will sound like poppycock to readers, who may believe that I am indulging in philosophical hyperbole or majoring in the abstract. But without this will to forge respectable self-governance, what other option is there? Looking to foreign powers to solve their dilemma is hardly self-respecting.

What is clear is that Haiti is plummeting toward anarchy and failed State status. At the centre of this is the growth of vicious gangs, which have control of key sections of the country and can dictate movement of people, goods, and services at their own whim. This is not unlike the situation in Somalia, where warlords have control over important sections of the country. Such control is maintained by the barrel of a gun. The leaders of these gangs, as has been proven, are not afraid to use whatever violence they consider necessary to enforce their demands. If this state of affairs is allowed to fester, it is not long before they have access to the centres of power by appointed proxies willing to do their bidding.

Which brings us to Jamaica. Gangs are growing in Jamaica like mushrooms in an open cow pasture. With the rise of these gangs comes the violence, and they have become bolder in dispensing same. In this regard, the rise of gangs in schools must not be taken for granted and must be dealt with by the State with the utmost severity. The usual timidity and lethargy with which we tend to approach these matters of national importance must be replaced with a fierce tenacity to address the problem headlong. It cannot be the work of the Ministry of Education by itself. That ministry has a lot of challenges dealing with the myriad problems in the education system. It must be a collaborative effort with the Ministry of National Security and other relevant groups. Perhaps, as I have said in this column before, the expertise of former Commissioner of Police Owen Ellington could be sought to address this growing problem. As I averred earlier, also, the problem of violence in our schools will grow worse before it gets better, but we must become more attuned to the risks that the problem portends.

Again, the problem of fighting crime must be a joint effort between the citizenry, law enforcement, and Government. In my last piece on the subject some of my readers were quite perceptive in isolating the problems we face. There seems to be an emerging consensus that politicians, by themselves, do not have the solution. In fact, there is more than the suggestion that they are more part of the problem than the solution. But, despite their faults, which are legion, we cannot discard our political leaders, but we can hold them more accountable than we have been doing by being more resolute about the problem.

One reader suggested a revival of the debate on a National Crime Commission once proposed by former Prime Minister P J Patterson. Its time might have come. An independent citizenry on this commission, working like the much-admired Electoral Commission of Jamaica, may be an answer to depoliticising the matter of fighting crime in the country. It would be one of the best statements by the political directorate, demonstrating that we are serious about engaging the people in the fight against this monster. It is pathetic and disturbing to witness the political “cass cass” engaged in by both parties regarding this existential threat to the nation. It must stop.

If it does not, and if we do not become more resolute in containing the growth of these gangs and their ability to dispense violence before we reach a tipping point, then I have no doubt that the “haitianisation” of Jamaica is not far down the road. We can and must intensify our efforts in this regard.

OF GARBAGE COLLECTION AND ROAD REPAIRS

As one travels around the country one cannot help but to be distressed by the mounds of garbage by the roadsides. It is encouraging that the Ministry of Local Government has acquired new trucks which will enhance the ability of the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) to collect garbage, but this will not be sufficient if there is not the will and determined effort to collect the garbage on a consistent and frequent basis. Collecting garbage is not only a health priority but a commentary on a state of mind of decency and environmental aesthetics. Let’s get to it.

It is also noticeable that the road repairs have started, some say because local government elections are around the corner. This may be the reason as such activities are part of the game of our politics. But patching or repairing roads does something to the mind: you forget what the road was like before and you breathe easier when you do not have to be dodging potholes as I and many motorists have to be doing in sections of southern St Elizabeth. I know that this part of the country is just a microcosm of the wider problem of dilapidated roads throughout the country.

My concern is for ongoing maintenance of our roads. Road repairs must be a regular function of the National Works Agency (NWA) as it was in the old days of the Public Works Department (PWD) when you would see trucks carrying out such routine maintenance. Now we allow craters and tanks to develop before we attempt to patch them. This, too, must stop. Let’s get to it.

Dr Raulston Nembhard is a priest, social commentator, and author of the books Finding Peace in the Midst of Life’s Storm; Your Self-esteem Guide to a Better Life, and Beyond Petulance: Republican Politics and the Future of America. Send comments to the Jamaica Observer or stead6655@aol.com.