What's behind the crime surge?

[Lazie]

published: Thursday | December 6, 2007


THE EDITOR, Sir:
Our Minister of National Security proposes a 40 per cent reduction in murder. This is an admirable goal, however, what are the factors in our society which contribute to the murder total? What control does the Minister of National Security or, indeed, any other Jamaican or organisation have over these factors so as to effect a reduction of any magnitude?
This is the challenge. As a nation, we don't know what forces are operating when a man kills his brother over one hundred dollars, or a cellphone, or why a parent may beat his/her child to death? Why are we as a nation so angry? What makes us settle disputes in a violent manner? Our social scientists, criminologists and psychologists need to help us answer these questions.
Unless we have a handle on the contributing factors, we are powerless to effect change.
I am, etc.,
O. NEMBHARD healthplus@cwjamaica.com

[Lazie]

Everybody asking ... one song nuh guh suh? When people going to ask all the relevant questions?