Dear Editor,

As we stand on the brink of a new dawn, our beloved Jamaica is haunted by the echoes of loss and despair, reverberating through communities once filled with laughter, hope, and unity.

The tragedy of 91 souls lost in just 28 days — each life a testament to dreams unrealised and families shattered — compels us to confront the brutal reality of crime that has seeped into the very fabric of our society.

The numbers, though lower than last year, are not merely statistics. They are stories — of fathers, mothers, children, and friends — each ripped from the arms of their loved ones. Each of the 930 lives taken since the start of this year is a plea for change, a cry for justice, and a demand for action.

St James, Westmoreland, St Andrew South, St Catherine South, and St Catherine North — these parishes, known for their vibrant culture and resilience, now bear the heavy burden of being the epicentres of this wave of violence. Even as 14 of our police divisions show a reduction in murders, the bloodshed continues, staining the soul of our nation.

But beyond the cold, hard figures lie a deeper truth — one that points to a nation in crisis, not just from the physical loss of life but from the erosion of trust, the breakdown of community bonds, and the pervading sense of fear that grips us all. The shooting at Mandela Terrace in Hunts Bay, the mass murders in Cherry Tree Lane and Point Hill district — these are not just isolated incidents; they are a reflection of a society on the edge, teetering between hope and despair.

We cannot stand idly by as our brothers and sisters are gunned down in the streets; as children grow up in a world where violence is the norm; and as communities are torn apart by the senselessness of it all. The time for change is now, and it starts with each of us working together to build a Jamaica that is safe, just, and united.

1) Strengthening community policing: Our police force, already stretched thin, must be bolstered not just in numbers, but in trust. Community policing should not be a luxury, it is a necessity. Officers must be seen as protectors, not oppressors, and this begins with fostering relationships within the communities they serve. Regular community meetings, youth engagement programmes, and the establishment of local advisory councils can help bridge the gap between law enforcement and the people.

2) Addressing root causes: Crime is a symptom of deeper societal issues — poverty, lack of education, and unemployment being chief among them. We must invest in our communities, creating opportunities for the youth, providing education and vocational training, and ensuring that every Jamaican has access to the resources they need to lead a life of dignity and purpose. Economic development must be equitable, ensuring that no community is left behind.

3) Empowering the youth: Our young people are not the problem; they are the solution. We must engage them in meaningful ways, providing mentorship, creating safe spaces for dialogue, and empowering them to be agents of change. Programmes that promote entrepreneurship, the arts, and sports can offer alternatives to the path of violence that too many have found themselves on.

4) Strengthening the justice system: Justice delayed is justice denied. Our justice system must be reformed to ensure swift and fair trials, with a focus on rehabilitation, not just punishment. We must also address the issue of corruption within the system, which erodes public trust and allows criminals to act with impunity.

5) Fostering national unity: Finally, we must come together as a nation. This is not just a government problem; it is a Jamaican problem. We must all play our part — whether through volunteerism, advocacy, or simply by looking out for our neighbours. Let us reject the culture of silence and fear, and instead stand together in solidarity against the forces that seek to tear us apart.

This is more than just a lament for those we’ve lost; it is a clarion call to every Jamaican to rise up and take back our country from the grips of violence and despair. We owe it to ourselves, to our children, and to the memory of those we’ve lost to fight for a better Jamaica, one where every life is valued, every community is safe, and where hope, not fear, reigns supreme.

Let this be the turning point. Let this be the moment when we say, Enough is enough!” Let this be the dawn of a new era for Jamaica.

Janiel McEwan

Youth advocate

janielmcewan17@gmail.com