Beheadings threaten crime ease

THE PAST several days have recorded hideous criminal acts that suggest that a new height of barbarism seems to be emerging in our society. These actions demand urgent and decisive response that should send a message to criminals that Jamaica "land we love" has no intention of going back to the depth of crime from which we seem to have been emerging. Immediate and decisive action is required to address the beheading of three citizens in the Lauriston area of Spanish Town and one in August Town.

Recommendations have been made in the past about the importance of the 'rapid response method' which is practised in developed countries and, to a limited extent, has reaped results locally. This should be the mode of operation in instances such as the gruesome death of these Jamaicans. All Jamaicans need to stop and focus on these horrible deaths and demand justice for these crimes. No citizen of Jamaica should die in such a horrible manner. The perpetrators need to be brought to justice and the society be rid of the threat that they pose.

One voice

The leaders of the nation, regardless of political affiliation, professional or civic association, should speak with one voice in rallying the nation to support the thrust in solving these problems. Public messages should be conveyed through all media sources to appeal to everyone to report on clues to solving these cases. This heightened awareness should gain momentum by the police force maintaining their presence in the streets, villages and towns in search of the wicked killers. This decisive action should send a message, so that killers would think twice about such acts. This decisiveness, if sustained, will likely bring success and the perpetrators will be brought to justice.

All Jamaicans need to take a stand against wickedness. We should not sit idly and allow our country to slip into crisis such as the situation that ended in the deaths of over 70 persons in order to dismantle the Tivoli stronghold and capture gangsters. The lawmakers need to act now to prevent erosion of the improved relative peace in the society.

The security forces have been successful in stemming the tide of crime over the past year and this trend needs to continue. Arresting the trend of hideous crimes helps to bring stability, peace and prosperity to the society. A stable environment, with little crime, will facilitate increased investment and improved quality of life. The government must continue to act so that the confidence of the people will not be eroded. Immediate action on these hideous crimes needs to be sustained, so we can have an early solution to this imminent challenge on society.

Dr Paul Gyles is Dean of the College of Natural and Applied Sciences at Northern Caribbean University.