Fighting crime

We all grieve whenever there is a loss of life. But you know what? Many of us are quiet accomplices in criminal activities. We knowingly sing with criminals on the choir at church; we drink rum and Pepsi with them at the bar; we sit in meetings with them

with them at illegal parties; and we house, feed, and clothe them. We know they are engaged in wrongdoing, but we turn a blind eye. Some of us only become reactive when one of our family members is taken down by one of these individuals.

What is equally surprising is when criminals get a taste of their own medicine. On most occasions, their family and friends would have us believe that their police record was as clean as Jesus’s. They lived a life like that of the angels, Michael and Gabriel.

We must encourage an ‘informer’ culture, in which citizens see it appropriate to report incidents to the police for the greater good of the community and country. This, undoubtedly, is challenging, especially as some of the police officers themselves are criminals in police gear.

The justice system also needs to encourage the populace by implementing and enforcing greater penalties. Too many criminals, too often, get a mere slap on the wrist for some heinous crimes. And because they have the means to employ some of the country’s top lawyers or pay an Obeah man, their court cases are usually thrown out.

The year 2020 is already like a decade in itself, with the myriad events and challenges locally and internationally. We still have just over a month to go before it comes to an end. As people get even busier with their Christmas shopping and preparations — of course, while still observing the health measures — may our neighbours’ business (safety and security) be our personal business. The crime situation can improve if we all work together as a community.

Oneil Madden is a PHD candidate in didactics and linguistics at the Université Clermont Auvergne, France. Send comments to the Jamaica Observer or oneil.madden@