The Gleaner has seen, as troubling, Prime Minister Andrew Holness’ lambast at criticism levelled at the Jamaica Labour Party, in particular, as it relates to the way it has, for long periods, failed to manage crime. According to the newspaper, those criticisms are good for democracy and the leader of the country ought not to suggest they shouldn’t exist. The opinion is worth another look.

Published July 17, 2021

Government cannot escape criticism, Mr Prime Minister

CRIME AND violence continue to be the number-one concern for most Jamaicans. It is the thing that has motivated many retirees to offload their containers in south Florida rather than complete the journey to their desired destination.

There are some persons who take comfort from the fact that gang feuds and domestic violence account for the bulk of homicides. That, of course, does not blunt the misery of thousands of grieving families who see family members being murdered year after year. Neither does it alter the image of Jamaica as a murderous place.

We feel confident that in any opinion poll conducted among the population, crime and violence will emerge as the area that does not get its deserved priority. What is more, we believe that the respondents will have a similar view whether they support the ruling Jamaica Labour Party, or the Opposition People’s National Party, or no party for that matter.

So we were taken aback to hear Prime Minister Andrew Holness respond to criticism about this problem of crime and violence by saying this: “They will pick on us every day. It is our job to be picked on. You will hear all kinds of things being said, half of which are not true, not researched.”

The views expressed by the prime minister at the refurbished Mount Salem Police Station in St James could be seen as opening a window into Mr Holness’ broad view of national issues. He sounds intolerant and even dismissive of criticism.

TROUBLING TREND

We find this to be a troubling trend that could have serious implications for freedom of speech. More seriously, if the attempt is to stifle criticism and escape accountability, such attempts should be roundly rejected by all well-thinking Jamaicans.

Freedom to debate and question are among the core principles of a democratic society. Government, its departments and agencies, are not immune from criticism. Over the course of history, freedom of expression has been exercised in a variety of ways, and multiple voices have contributed to the marketplace of ideas that have enriched society and wrought meaningful change.

It is not surprising that people continue to be concerned about crime and violence because all the crime-fighting strategies employed over the last two decades or so, by both parties, have been spectacular failures. The Holness administration cannot escape criticism for it, too, has been found wanting in this epic struggle to control crime. Finger-pointing will not solve the problem.

We hugely commend the Government’s efforts at creating better working conditions for the men and women of the Jamaica Constabulary Force. The programme of rebuilding and refurbishing police stations is to be applauded and may even result in more motivated, more inspired members of the Force being invigorated to fight crime.

The bottom line is that people want results. The population has been promised results. This means that there is tremendous ongoing tension between people’s expectations and the delivery on those promises. We want to see the current administration devise the kinds of strategy that show a greater balance between crime control and crime prevention. We want to see greater use of technology in the fight against crime.

Those who elect to serve in public life must learn that criticism comes with the territory and that handling criticism is an unwritten requirement in the job description of a leader. There can be no shying away from the microscope. 

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