ForgotPassword?
Sign Up
Search this Topic:
Forum Jump
Posts: 1164
Feb 10 06 11:01 AM
Quote:Embracing criminality published: Friday | February 10, 2006 THE CONFLAGRATION in Spanish Town, St. Catherine, over the past two days after the killing of Andrew 'Bun Man' Hope is but another example of the deep social malaise abroad in the country, perhaps moreso than an obvious outbreak of criminality. Hope was to the Jamaica Labour Party enclaves what Donovan 'Bulbie' Bennett was to the People's National Party-aligned communities. On the two occasions when these men were taken out - one officially by the police, the other reportedly by 'unknown assailants in khaki clothes' - the town imploded as their cronies in crime and recipients of their 'benevolence' vented their anger that their 'godfather' had been killed. The extent of the violent reaction points to the extent of their influence. Many people, somewhat geographically and emotionally removed from the situation, may well ask: How could so many people embrace criminality to the extent to which they have, that men who have long been identified as 'criminals' be so revered and respected? One simple answer would be that large segments of the population have lost a sense of decency and can no longer distinguish between right and wrong. But there are other contributing factors, including the reality that these 'benefactors' have been fulfilling a role normally performed by state agencies. Additionally, government and quasi-government agencies and senior representatives of the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party have, in their own way and in their own time, given some form of legitimacy to these persons. The legitimacy may have come in the form of state contracts, as in the case of Bennett, or a stout defence of their 'goodness', as in the case of Hope.Some people may sigh with a sense of relief that their problem has at long last been solved with the demise of Bennett and Hope. But others will arise to fill the vacuum. Spanish Town did not descend into chaos suddenly. The slow descent into degeneracy was fostered by the cynical manipulation of people by the politically ambitious. The security forces have also worked assiduously to undermine their own authority in these areas, in the way they have dealt with people. The business community is not without blame for they have contributed to the growth in the crime, by feeding a monster with an insatiable appetite. Yet, Spanish Town must be rescued from the criminal lumpen. This will require a relentless pressure to return Spanish Town and its environs to decency and good order. The good citizens must cooperate with decent police and soldiers; the business community must exercise courage and not give in to extortion; and the security forces must be professional in their interaction with citizens, especially during the times when there is no obvious social conflict. The seeds sown in those times bring rewards in due time.THE OPINIONS ON THIS PAGE, EXCEPT FOR THE ABOVE, DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE GLEANER.
Share This