The hope that August Town is

THE EDITOR, Sir: THE TREMENDOUS hope and potential for replicating in other communities the achievement of the citizens of August Town in recording not a single murder for an entire year, appears to be on the verge of being lost.

Notwithstanding the perennial presence in August Town of some of the most horrific social and economic decays, the citizens took the initiative to pursue and struggle for peace. The result— one whole year without a single murder.

The political and business class, must forgive the rest of us for thinking that the sustainability and replicating of this priceless treasure of peace requires an immediate intervention aimed at correcting some of those social and economic decays that gave rise to the fractious relationships in the community.

However, none can deny that the absence of a swift and significant intervention from the political and business elites in the August Town community is a potent confirmation of their paralysis and apathy for the welfare of marginalised communities.

DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES

It is truly regrettable that such has been the response of the political and business community to the development of the peace process in August Town. However, there are those who refuse to be surprised at this reluctance from the political and business classes to play a more significant role in the August Town development. While, for the majority of Jamaicans, the ongoing crime wave represents a real threat to lives, some see it mainly as a threat to business.

No one should be so blind that he is unable to see that the development in August Town represents a real and unusual opportunity, for those who love to pontificate about making a difference in marginalised communities, to step up to the plate and get the show on the road. CASHLEY BROWN cashleybrown@yahoo.com