by: Lorna Wright
MIAMI GARDENS – With discussion about the negative impact of crime and violence in Jamaica, it was encouraging to attend this forum on efforts to solve the problems in the first month of the New Year.
The event, a joint venture hosted by the Jamaican Diaspora Foundation-Southern United States (“JDF-SUS”) and the Jamaica Ex-Police Association of Florida (“EX-POL”), was held at the Holy Family Episcopal Church, an appropriate setting for such a serious matter affecting the lives of community members, not just in Jamaica, but also here.
It was well attended by a wide-cross-section of the South Florida community including citizens, representatives from government, civic organizations and media.
Opening remarks by Winston Barnes, City of Miramar Commissioner and Host of the popular “Open Line” Talk Show on WAVS-1170, included introductions of panelists, outlining each of their respective roles: Deputy Commissioner Charles Scarlett – Intelligence; Assistant Commissioner Glenmore Hinds – Operation King Fish; and Inspector V.C. Campbell – Narcotics, all of whom are members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).
Major Problems:
Campbell quoted statistics indicating a high percentage of crimes, including murder and robberies, are committed by citizens under 30, with illiteracy and hopelessness being primary contributing factors. He stated, “We hurt each other – the first reaction is to fight and there are too many idle hands.” These weaknesses, of course, are exploited by organized crime operators who have large amounts of funds to facilitate corruption among individuals willing to participate. Hinds succinctly stated that criminal networks are the new enemies of the country – these networks are decentralized and individuals move freely across borders. The goal of Kingfish is to dismantle organized crime, particularly in the areas of illegal drugs and firearms trafficking. Scarlett and Hinds’ presentations focused more on solutions and results of the JCF’s crime-fighting efforts.
Attempted Solutions:
The panelists emphasized the JCF’s collaboration and cooperation among the Jamaica Defense Force (Air and Coast Guard), Canada, United Kingdom, and the United States in intelligence gathering and investigation. Hinds indicated that well-trained detectives are in place; Campbell spoke about the standard of integrity and competence followed and the pursuit of “police officers who bring shame and disgrace to the force,” while Scarlett revealed that alliances with major international law enforcement have been used to attack the illegal cocaine trade. Legal fingerprinting is now being introduced with recently purchased equipment. According to Campbell, not least in the order of importance is the Commissioner of Police, Lucius Thomas’ plan to “raise morale to have a motivated workforce.”
Stated Results:
According to Hinds, major drug gangs and their Dons are being arrested, tried and convicted. He mentioned one gang has been dismantled; a leader of another gang has received penalties of 90 years for three offenses. Murder rate showed a 4% decrease in 2005 while Campbell stated that cooperation with international law enforcement achieved a reduction in cocaine trade from 8,195 to 3,036 pounds in 2005.
Some of the Concerns among Audience:
In the Q&A period, Barnes asked the panelists to discuss the issue of Jamaica being considered as the “murder capital of the world.” It was revealed that segregated statistics showed that 70% of murders were gang-on-gang crimes. Another member wanted to know the “real truth to Jamaica’s situation” and asked the rhetorical question “[is it] guilty until proven guilty.” The response suggested that the burden of proof in most jurisdictions is shifted to the accused.
Future Needs:
The panelists agreed that the efforts of groups like JDF-SUS and EX-POL are needed to lobby government for changes in crime-fighting laws and ambivalent attitudes. Also, emphasis was on the need for more effective laws against illegal activities and taking the financial incentives out of crime. Some goals stated include doing ballistic examination quickly with new equipment already ordered and establishing a Professional Standards Branch to audit performance of the JCF. Another action to be taken for the future is the formation of a Task Force for murder investigation.
Commentary:
The effort to tackle crime and violence is a community effort, led by law enforcement and the discussion should be ongoing. There has to be an atmosphere of trust between the two, with great responsibility on both sides. Social justice has to prevail, attitudes need to change and fairness in adjudication is necessary – “what is good for the goose should be good for the gander.” Intelligence gathering should be handled with intelligence and not used by anyone, here or there, as an ongoing tool of harassment to destroy reputations and lives. There are many Jamaicans, young and old, regardless of their financial circumstance or how they look, who are hardworking, and not less law-abiding than others, who also want to make the world a better place for everyone – keep that in mind whenever there is a challenge created by stereotypical views and walk with courage and compassion.
