A coherent crime plan, please
Published:Wednesday | June 16, 2010 | 12:00 AM
THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE DISCUSSION surrounding the current situation in Tivoli Gardens and crime is now approaching the level of just noise. I would be satisfied, even happy, if anyone, opposition or even the Government, would present a coherent plan with the objective of changing what currently obtains in the Jamaican society, instead of always talking about it.
In the meantime, can the policymakers tell me why the public right of way known as a sidewalk can be used as a marketplace? I thought the public had a 'right of way' to be maintained by the taxes it pays. Can I also hear why the Noise Abatement Act is just that - noise? Why are we now looking at legislating more laws? Why don't we try to enforce some, and see if that works?
It is time our politically elected representatives realise that running a country is not about talk. It's about motivation, setting goals and practical plans and achieving them. Government has no business in business; their job is to ensure a fair and equitable environment for all to fulfil their potential. Politicians are necessary to safeguard the rights of the helpless and unfortunate, not compete with the people they are meant to serve.
Accountability required
Now that the veneer of fantasy has been removed from Tivoli, we all see the Government as the entrenchment of institutionalised inefficiency that it has become. The people of Jamaica are beginning to realise that it is no longer possible to ignore the less fortunate among us, and that there is wanton waste of tax dollars. Accountability is required at all levels, especially now.
I hope that now, the obvious amorphous illusion of governance will be the catalyst for the distillation of a government of the people, for the people and by the people. The time of elected representatives who are not up to the task of accountability and appropriate representation is done! I wish those people who now find themselves at the wheel of this country all the best. The genie is out of the bottle and having seen what is possible out there, is never going back.
I am, etc.,
Hugh M. Dunbar