A divine intervention for crime and violence

By Jaevion Nelson

ALTHOUGH WE have so many churches per square mile and people who believe in the power of the divine to reduce crime and violence, we have one of the highest per capita homicide rates worldwide. Isn't it curious that so many of us - not just the minister of national security - believe that "divine intervention" is what is most crucial to address this grave problem? If it is true that churches facilitate this kind of transformation, why haven't they been able to alter the crime situation? I won't question our varied beliefs in a supreme being, but I wish we would call ourselves to duty as often as we call on him/her to intervene divinely.

Crime and violence have a devastating impact on our country. It affects tourism, health, education, and businesses and, ultimately, our economy. In 2005, Jamaica had the highest murder rate globally because more than 1,600 people were murdered. On average, there were 1,467 murders for the years 2008 to 2011. Thankfully, murders and other major crimes have been declining since 2010. The United States Bureau of Diplomatic Security attributed this to, inter alia, "a State of Emergency that was effected May 23, 2010 and lasted approximately three months; police road blocks; prominently placing photographs/posters of wanted criminals in the news media; information provided to crime stoppers; and an increase in police patrols" in its 2012 report on crime and violence in Jamaica.

police corruption

The Jamaica Constabulary Force must be lauded for the steps they have taken in recent years to address police corruption and improve their relationship with communities, as one element of multiple strategies needed. In addition, the Government has been taking some key actions such as tabling legislation, conducting research and developing strategies. In 2012, a National Security Policy, which identifies five key areas of reform to address crime and violence and corruption, was completed. National Security Minister Peter Bunting stated in The Gleaner on December 30, 2012 that these areas are: "i) remove the profit from crime; ii) reform the justice system; iii) police by consent; iv) dismantle gangs; and v) focus on at-risk individuals and communities." On top of the minister's list for this year (as reported in the same article) is to increase the number of police personnel and vehicles - an old focus. In addition, based on the 2013-2014 Budget estimates, we know that the Citizens Security & Justice Programme will be expanded to include more communities.

The minister also noted "... policing alone is not going to get us to the low level of crime that we want. Our communities have to start taking responsibility and we have to start tackling the subculture of violence that has developed." It is clear that he had a better idea to solving crime than divine intervention? So what on earth could have prodded the minister to frighten us with such utterances about the power of a deity to reduce our crime rates? Are we assured about this possibility even after so many fasting and prayer breakfasts and meetings which have not yielded much? Or is it that our churches have successfully prevented things from getting much worse? Either way, I want to proffer some issues for urgent action.

1. Many Jamaicans are extremely fearful of being a victim of a crime or violent incident. Crime and violence hold us hostage in our homes and communities. Those who can afford it, secure themselves in gated communities with armed security. It is crucial that we ensure that those who are unable to afford these private security services can feel safe and secure in their communities too.

2. Most people I know - very well-intentioned Jamaicans - would rather 'see and blind, hear and deaf' instead of providing information to the police about crimes, because we are taught that a coward man keeps his life. We must strengthen the investigative unit(s) within the police and raise awareness about and improve the witness protection programme.

3. It is said that the court backlog of more than 400,000 cases allows four out of five murders to go unsolved. We must urgently recognise the important role of providing all Jamaicans with equality before the law, specifically the Charter of Rights, and access to justice as a fundamental part of solving crimes. Allegations of alleged police brutality and extrajudicial killings must, therefore, be fully investigated. In addition, we need to increase budgetary allocation to the justice ministry, which only received one per cent of the 2012-2013 Budget.

Divine intervention has no bearing on the successful implementation of these three crucial components of national security to make Jamaica a cohesive and just society. If Minister Bunting wants a divine intervention, he should moot for the anti-gang and DNA legislations to be fast-tracked; they're taking too long. Let's all get to work.

Jaevion Nelson is a youth development, HIV and human rights advocate. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and jaevion@gmail.com.