Perspective: Jamaican-born professor in US concerned about high crime rate at home
Perspective
We too are concerned about the value placed on black lives in North America. Especially the USA. Blacks are slaughtered like wild game when hunting. Racism and the proliferation of guns in the hands of bigots and state sponsored terrorists, posing as law enforcement officials is a real problem in the USA. Do come and lend you vast knowledge to help stem crime in Jamaica.
Canada
The police chief in their largest city Toronto is concerned about the record high crime rate there in 2018. In one incident alone an INCEL used his rented truck to mow down mainly women. Ten died in this single attack in Toronto. Intel is a hater of women. We have no such craziness in Jamaica. Gun is the choice weapon for homicides in Jamaica
Jamaica
In Jamaica the Andrew Holness led JLP administration must be commended for their resolute stand against all crimes, especially gun crimes. A special public safety unit was recently set up in our Police force (JCF). Our Government is doing something about our crime rate. Yes it is high due to the smuggling of guns into our beautiful paradise island. A form of conspiracy to keep us improvised. We know those forms of badmindediness, we cannot stop you but we can destabilize your society … a well known strategy to foster dependency. They will not admit to such underhanded methods. It happens as it is in their best interests to so do. Their guns and armaments get sold and we have to buy bullet proof vests, et al. Even used armoured trucks are shipped to Jamaica.
We do not manufacture guns in Jamaica, yet our communities are flooded with them.
Crime Down 80 percent in Montego Bay
Methodology
The tourist mecca of the world has seen gun homicides reach record levels in 2017 some 333. Today it is down 80 percent and falling. We are strengthening our detection capabilities by purchasing boats, small planes, tightening security at our ports of entry, improving surveillance of our extensive coastline. Recruiting and better training our law enforcement agencies. Imposing curfews and a limited State Of Emergency in for eg. in Montego Bay, our tourist capital. Crime nationally is down 22 percent based on police reports.
PNP
The Opposition PNP led by Dr. Peter Phillips has decided to not support the extension of the State Of Emergency due to expire January 19, 2019, despite its success in reducing crime. Are they patriotic? Can they be trusted with future state power? You be the judge, as usual.
Tourists
Some 3 million tourists visit so far this year 2018 … 40 percent of whom are repeat visitors. Crimes against tourists are minimal if at all. Jamaica is a very safe destination. Gang violence and turf war coupled with domestic violence is 10 percent of overall crime. Recently enacted Anti-Gang laws are reaping real rewards. Domestic violence or crimes of passion are real concerns to the government, church, social activists and social media watchers. Can anything good come out of Jamaica? “Come and see for yourself Mr Professor.”
We are strengthening our Early Childhood education to better prepare young minds to turn away from crime. Can you help?
Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is a veteran journalist who is also a poet, satirist and keen watcher of International politics. He is SIC for Vision Newspaper Canada. Follow him on Facebook.
