Al Jazeera Report on Jamaica: People and Power – Island of Music and Murder
30 April 2010 by Karin in Current Affairs [ 3 comments ]
This is an example of some of the terrible press that Jamaica has been getting recently:
NY Times: US Extradition Efforts Strain Relationship with Jamaica
Washington Post: Jamaica Gunmen Kill 5 in Apparent Gun Feud
This report looks at the controversial handling of gang violence in Jamaica, and especially at the role of the police.
Once again, we have to ask ourselves, what is our response to this? What do we do as a society and as individuals?
I would have to agree with Carolyn Gomes, head of Jamaicans for Justice, that it is time for a completely new police force.
This is absolutely the most disgusting thing ever broadcast, but it is no surprise unless you have been living with your head in the sand.
All members and supporters of both political parties should be ashamed of themselves for supporting a political establishment that has done nothing to quell this issue, and in fact has encouraged it.
The Minister of National Security is announcing new crime “measures” today, and I fear they will be more heavy-handed marshal law type things, that will further allow the security forces to abuse the civil rights of the citizens of Jamaica.
In particular, since the JLP has now been in power over two years, and has done nothing to improve the situation, they and their supporters must bear the burden of the blame.
The JCF must go, and the government as well- unfortunately the other lot is just as bad, so were does that leave us… completely screwed I would say.
How many Jamaicans actually know what their rights are? Do people in the JLP/PNP even know what Jamaicans rights are?
A new force wont solve a single thing. If policemen have no faith in the courts nothing will be solve. Why is a man found with illegal firearms set free? Life in prison for people who are found with illegal arms, no if no buts.
As far as I am concerned spend a few years teaching some smart capable youngsters how fi manage JA. Then get rid of all current politicians. I am tired of these scums ruining peoples lives.
As a father it pains me for he young lady and her daughter. I wish them the best.
Without vision the people perish…..Jamaicans have been perishing in increasing numbers for at least the last 34 years. As the murder statistics climb with no apparent end in sight…..We supposedly live in a country which is technically “not at war”. I repeat “not at war”…..Tell that to the loved ones of those brutally murdered.
To paraphrase William Butler Yeats:
“TURNING and turning in the widening gyre
The falcon cannot hear the falconer;
Things fall apart; the center cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,
The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned;
The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity.”
Adding my own twist:
“And what rough beast, its hour come round at last,resides in Jamaica…..Spawned by political tribalism and dark machinations perpetrated
far from the glaring light of truth.”
“