Vile murders and eerie silence

Dennie Quill, Gleaner Columnist

I have been deeply distraught over the recent beheadings in St Catherine and St Andrew. For a nation so wounded by the foulest of murders, this spate of macabre killings is unprecedented in our country, and they have stirred national revulsion.

There is not a Jamaican family that has not been touched by the endemic violence that has created a poisoned climate for our children.

Rivers of tears have been shed for these victims, and many people I know have not had a restful night, as they play these images over and over in their minds and wonder about the who and why of it all.

Words like 'gruesome', 'evil', 'vile', 'horrific', 'barbaric' and 'senseless' have been used to describe these killings. So far, the perpetrators have not been caught, although there seems to be evidence that one of Spanish Town's murderous gangs is to blame. These gang members live and move and have their being in Spanish Town and its environs. They are known. Failure to give them up means they will remain free to strike again at any person who happens to be in their path.

Frankly, no Office of the Contractor General investigation of the Jamaica Development Infrastructure Programme, no Manatt enquiry, no International Monetary Fund status, no opinion polls, nothing comes close in demanding the nation's urgent attention.

But where are the enraged protesters calling attention to the merciless killing of innocent women? These are men with no respect for human life who would deny a promising 19-year-old the chance of fulfilling her dreams of becoming a doctor or lawyer.

Saving Jamaica

Those who would have us believe that Jamaica's crime problems ended with the extradition of Christopher 'Dudus' Coke had better face reality and start thinking about how we can work together to extinguish this evil from our midst. Beyond all the pious, hypocritical rhetoric, there is strong evidence of the alliance between these gangs and political parties.

The enormity of the crime became all the more evident when images were shown of people of all ages peering into the Rio Cobre to get a glimpse of the head of Charmaine Rattray, one of the victims. Frankly, it's not just the macabre nature of the killings that has caused such despondency, it is the fact that the practice seems to be spreading, with one case in August Town, St Andrew, and a failed attempt in east Kingston this week.

As the nation struggles to cope with the dark side of humanity, we are looking to our national leaders for some comfort. Our prime minister and opposition leader have so far remained silent. We have heard no word of condemnation personally from either leader. As we struggle to move beyond this, we need assurances that the Government and the security forces are equipped to crush this new round of violence similar to that which has tormented residents and business persons in the Old Capital.

We need firm police action and a strong condemnation by our political leaders, who should also distance themselves from these criminals to send a clear signal that the days of granting them succour are over.

The response from the police and the politicians will give the country a clear indication of whether Jamaica has any chance of achieving a lasting peace.

Dennie Quill is a veteran media practitioner. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and denniequill@hotmail.com.

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