Justice, authority and the nation's children

Ionie Ramsay-Nelson, Guest Columnist

I recently felt compelled to drive to Orange Villa to meet a family worthy of commendation for the stand they have taken to forgive the person(s) responsible for the death of Nakiea Robert Jackson, who was killed by the police.

Having watched the news and listened to statements made by close family members, I was reminded forcefully that God has His people everywhere and that there is still a lot of hope for the healing of Jamaica. Their pain was evident, but while they offered their hands of friendship and hearts of forgiveness, they expected "that justice would be done".

Throughout the years, we have fed ourselves with a steady diet of half-truths, deceptions, bitterness, envy, resentment and have suc-cessfully taught our children to carry on the tradition, without having sufficient courage to break the cycle of death and destruction. But there is hope.

The various intervention programmes offered by the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the ministries of National Security and Justice are welcome and timely. How-ever, as we work toward clearing the huge backlog of cases and rehabilitating the incarcerated, let us remember that justice delayed is justice denied.

The negative impact that results when migrating parents leave their children in the custody of grandparents and other caregivers cannot be overstated. For many years, I have dealt with these heart-breaking stories. We need to reintroduce a meaningful programme of planned parenting, including mentor-ship and counselling tailored specifically to appeal to communities wreaked by joblessness, teenage pregnancy and other social ills. For much too long, we have taught our children to disrespect people in authority.

As I continue to volunteer service, mainly in the 'trenches', I have repeatedly heard the phrase, "Dem mussa tek big man fi idiot," having just hailed an individual, "Yes, boss, everything criss." These persons have perfected their craft and their own brand of leadership, many having little regard for leaders. But there is hope.

Bitterness taught

I once took six children aged five to 11 from an inner-city community to Devon House for a treat. Upon returning that night, one of them shouted, "No, miss, no turn yah so." I said, "But this is your street." The child replied, "We and the people up the road don't talk." If this sounds strange, it's because the street is less than four chains long and people are living in malice.

For much too long, we have taught our children to distrust, disrespect and hate their neighbours and those in authority, often for selfish reasons. The cycle continues, leading some criminal elements to believe that they own members of these communities who are not allowed to act or think for themselves.

That perpetuates the cycle of bitter, angry young people, who place little or no value on life.

Senator Ruel Reid's recent statement regarding limiting the number of children per person earned him much criticism, and statistics were produced to prove that our birth rate has declined, to a rate of 2.4 per household. While I do not endorse legislation to prevent women/ families who can afford more than two children, and I respect the research and accuracy of the statistics, it will do this nation no harm if we reintroduce a meaningful planned-parenthood programme.

Reproductive rights

It is time that women understand that their lives are in their hands and they should delay motherhood, if necessary, and not allow things to get out of control.

I also propose that we:

Refrain from apologising for the weaknesses of state agencies.

Admit when you have made a mistake and apologise quickly.

Stop wasting time and valuable resources on those who are not suitable to lead just because they are bright.

Stop sweeping things under the carpet and using our superior communication skills and resources to outshine those who dare to challenge us.

Show respect for ourselves, the offices we hold, and those we serve.

Challenge/oppose but to do so respectfully as role models for children.

Don't sugar-coat the truth.

Apologise, regardless of position or status.

Never underestimate the intelligence of ordinary people.

Convene honest discussions and train or train/retrain those whose behaviour has wreaked havoc on the society.

Stop the 'nutten nah gwaan fi mi' attitude.

Ionie Ramsay-Nelson is a retired superintendent of police. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com.