One of the most famous insurgent groups in history is the French Resistance in World War II. Although there was not one single group, but a number of splinter groups that functioned for the common cause of freeing France from Nazi oppression, they were eventually brought together as a single unit under the name ‘Forces of the Interior’, under Charles de Gaulle.

I have the ultimate respect for the courage and determination shown by those civilians who operated in an environment of incalculable danger. A far less known group was the White Rose in Germany, which also operated during World War II.

German citizens during World War II have been branded by many as ‘Hitler’s willing executioners’. Few stories passing through generations speak of German citizens who rebelled against their own legally elected Government that came to power on a message that it would destroy the very democracy it used to gain power.

The Nazis spewed anti-Semitism; they spewed racism; they spewed fascism. Yet they were still elected by two-thirds of the electorate. A small group of young German citizens rejected the purge of the Jewish citizenry and the totalitarian regime in its entirety, and chose peaceful resistance. In an environment of abject brutality and impunity, they dared to paint slogans across the city and print pamphlets calling for the end of Hitler. It was the most dangerous activity that anyone could have chosen.

Adolf Hitler was like a cult leader, and any German citizen could be executed at the whim of the Government. The White Rose was led by a teenager named Hans Scholl who, like many in the group, was executed by the Gestapo. Some, including Hans and his sister Sophie, were executed by guillotine.

Many who live in Jamaica cannot truly appreciate how living in a garrison community can be like living in a totalitarian State. Yes, it is a smaller environment, but many of the characteristics are similar. Your life can be taken at the whim of a don. You can be physically or sexually abused at will. You can flee, but your home will be seized. If you are at odds with the gang of the day, your family can be destroyed.

There is a feeling of acceptance that is demonstrated by most people who live in garrisons, which shouts, “That’s just how life is”. This is the result of 50 years of gang domination. Their surrender is understandable. They have seen the cooperation of political leadership for decades. They hear the rhetoric of the human rights organisations. No one, other than the police force, champions their cause for the right to the same protection from criminality as those who live uptown.

When their human rights are violated by gangs, no organisation comes to their rescue. Ironically, though, when their oppressors come to be harmed by the State, there are chapters across the world to address it. Despite this general ambivalence to their cause and their suffering, some do fight back. They reject the ‘rights’ of a few to do as they like in their community. They are branded as ‘informers’ and killed if discovered, but they stand up.

Some are open in their resistance; others call CrimeStop or cooperate directly with the police. The bravest among them give evidence in court. Just imagine living in a place like Riverton City in St Andrew. There’s no formal infrastructure. It’s surrounded by militia-level armed thugs. Imagine fearing your daughter entering puberty. Imagine knowing that you and your family can be killed at will. Then, imagine daring to give information to the police or evidence to a court.

Now, imagine that no one seems to care that you have no rights. No civil group comes to your aid unless it is the police who have breached your rights. Resisting this tyranny is no less brave than resisting Nazi tyranny in Germany. The consequences are no less deadly. Yet, many do resist. Some give information, others give evidence. History will not speak of them.

There was a time when giving evidence against gangs in the community where you live, or even at all, was not done. I watched Lester Lloyd Coke walk free case after case. I had a case wherein a lady was killed and burnt alive as her house was fire-bombed. Her mother absolutely refused to give evidence, despite having given a statement. When I berated her about not defending her daughter, she replied venomously: “What about me?”

Then things started to change. People started to fight back. Witnesses from inner-city communities started to give evidence against the gangs. Some did so because it was their families that were harmed. Others did because they had just had enough. Their courage is incomparable.

My personal opinion is that the Vybz Kartel case showed the crack in the armour of the gangs. The Gaza Gang was huge and got even larger when it merged with the Klansman Gang to form Gaza/Klans. Despite this, the witness came forward and gave evidence, and survived. His courage showed that might could not defeat right. Despite the eventual result, the accused spent 13 years in prison. It is not perfect justice, but it is justice.

Since then, there have been several witnesses believed to have been no-shows who have turned up and given evidence. The Desmond “Ninja Man” Ballentine case is one that comes to mind.

When the 50-year war against the gangs is won — and it is coming — there will be many who will be recognised: the police, the Government, the judiciary, the prosecutors, foreign governments who assisted, and even the defence bar, who certainly played their part.

Many will not remember the civilians in these communities who give information, give evidence, and ultimately make victory possible. But this writer will.

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