Dismantling the garrisons

THE EDITOR, Sir:

FOR AT least the last decade, the phrase 'dismantling the garrisons' has become the recipe for curbing and reducing crime and violence in our society. But what exactly does it mean?

I have discussed ways and means of dismantling garrisons with a wide range of persons and have really never been able to get my mind around a reasonable method. I have always wondered how does one dismantles a garrison - a community where people live and work and have their being; where children go to school, people have babies, and families exist.

Garrisons in Jamaica were created by politicians. I do not know of any other democratic country where such practices have been allowed to take over the entire social, economic and daily life of a community or a country. And look at the result!

What kind of place is it where adults are intimidated if they vote for the wrong party? (Iran? Hardly a democracy!) Where a politician can receive more votes than the number of persons registered to vote?

All of Jamaica now expects the Government to act immediately. We do not need any more killings.

So what is the answer?

I think that the Electoral Commission of Jamaica should undertake the redefining of the boundaries of every constituency in Jamaica. This could literally dismantle every garrison without a single person being killed. It means that every politician would have to work hard to be re-elected.

People's politics are their own private business. Everyone should cast their vote for any candidate they choose, regardless of where they live. Granted, the change would take time, but now is the time to start.

Just imagine a Jamaica free of the vice and corruption, resulting in the ruling of persons who set themselves up as rulers of entire communities.

Over to you, Electoral Commission. You are an impartial organisation and Jamaica trusts you.

I am, etc.,

Marilyn Delevante

dele1@cwjamaica.com