Dear Editor,
As we continue to grapple with the growing monster of crime I too am affected by, I am yet to understand the root of what seems to be senseless killings, especially in western Jamaica.
I am, however, encouraged by what the minister of national security said in a recent interview — hats off to him on the work he is doing and the changes he is trying to implement.
As I watched him address issues of crime during his interview, I was given hope that better is to come. For a moment I placed myself in his shoes and realised that he has a massive task, so too every member of the constabulary, defence force and the ministry, that is creating a crime-free Jamaica.
It is a utopic dream.
Can we really ever get there? I believe that he has the intention to get us as close to it as he possibly can. But this is a task for all of us as Jamaicans.
These seeds of crime were planted years ago, we didn’t get to the current crime situation overnight; and it is not a problem that can be fixed within a few months. It will take dedicated work, partnership and huge political will.
I believe that effective policing is human rights policing and the officers have to start respecting our rights. The days of kicking down people’s doors are long gone. Rotten apples tend to spoil the bunch and there is a major distrust between citizens and members of the force.
Therefore, let us move towards cultivating relationships with police officers that we can share information with. Let us help in this fight and take back our Jamaica from the scourge of violence and crime. We need to start getting involved, join the consultative or police committee in our communities, and if there’s none start one. Be an advocate!
Sasha-Gaye Chambers
Spring Farm Road
St James
csashagaye@gmail.com
As we continue to grapple with the growing monster of crime I too am affected by, I am yet to understand the root of what seems to be senseless killings, especially in western Jamaica.
I am, however, encouraged by what the minister of national security said in a recent interview — hats off to him on the work he is doing and the changes he is trying to implement.
As I watched him address issues of crime during his interview, I was given hope that better is to come. For a moment I placed myself in his shoes and realised that he has a massive task, so too every member of the constabulary, defence force and the ministry, that is creating a crime-free Jamaica.
It is a utopic dream.
Can we really ever get there? I believe that he has the intention to get us as close to it as he possibly can. But this is a task for all of us as Jamaicans.
These seeds of crime were planted years ago, we didn’t get to the current crime situation overnight; and it is not a problem that can be fixed within a few months. It will take dedicated work, partnership and huge political will.
I believe that effective policing is human rights policing and the officers have to start respecting our rights. The days of kicking down people’s doors are long gone. Rotten apples tend to spoil the bunch and there is a major distrust between citizens and members of the force.
Therefore, let us move towards cultivating relationships with police officers that we can share information with. Let us help in this fight and take back our Jamaica from the scourge of violence and crime. We need to start getting involved, join the consultative or police committee in our communities, and if there’s none start one. Be an advocate!
Sasha-Gaye Chambers
Spring Farm Road
St James
csashagaye@gmail.com