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In the face of an escalating crime rate, several church leaders are again proposing the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) for Jamaica.
Reverend Al Miller, leader of the Whole Life Ministries, is seeking to have the Church spearhead the initiative and is calling on the Government to implement the TRC as a restorative strategy for the nation.
He believes that a TRC, similar to what was established in South Africa during the post-apartheid era, will assist with the dismantling of garrisons across some inner-city communities and the reduction of crime and violence throughout Jamaica.
"The TRC will be most instrumental in getting to the heart of the nation and to uproot the stronghold of crime and violence, particularly in the entrenched garrison communities of Kingston, St. James and Spanish Town," he said.
"The TRC is not intended for revenge, embarrassment, ridicule, or a 'blame game', but a necessary tool for forgiveness, healing and reconciliation."
Three frameworks
Rev. Miller has proposed that the TRC would work from three basic frameworks, which include a human rights violation committee, an amnesty committee and a reparation and rehabilitation committee.
The aim is to appeal to civil and political Jamaica to come forward and tell their stories of violation, criminality and victimisation committed between the periods under review (1965-present) with the assurance that they would not be penalised.
Peter Espeut, talk show host and Gleaner columnist, believes that a TRC is necessary for the cleansing and purging of the nation's soul.
"It's a kind of cathartic experience - to wash out, to purge and cleanse the filth from the society's consciousness," he said. "I believe that Jamaicans are a people that can forgive, and that can come forward and tell the truth and ultimately that's what is necessary for us to get a hold on crime and to dismantle the garrisons."
He further said there was a history to the garrison constituencies and a connection between politics and the guns. "I believe we cannot resolve the political thuggery and the crime situation until individuals involved are willing to come clean," he said. "Not until politicians can come forward and say 'yes, I gave out guns and gunmen can come forward and say they got guns from the politicians," he added.
TRCs have been set up in other countries across the world, such as South Africa and some other African states where political oppression and civil wars have been rife. The TRC in South Africa was seen by many as a crucial component of the transition to full and free democracy and, despite some flaws, is generally regarded as successful.
However, there are those who believe that a TRC may not work in Jamaica.
Donna Parchment, vice-president of the Peace Management Initiative (PMI) said any process around restorative justice is a desirable way of addressing some of the problems that currently confront the nation.
However, Ms. Parchment believes that, for a TRC to work in Jamaica, it must be tailored to suit Jamaica's unique needs. Ms. Parchment said there would be a need for counsellors and social workers to assist victims and offenders to move forward towards the healing process.
athaliah.reynolds@gleanerjm.com
Reverend Al Miller, leader of the Whole Life Ministries, is seeking to have the Church spearhead the initiative and is calling on the Government to implement the TRC as a restorative strategy for the nation.
He believes that a TRC, similar to what was established in South Africa during the post-apartheid era, will assist with the dismantling of garrisons across some inner-city communities and the reduction of crime and violence throughout Jamaica.
"The TRC will be most instrumental in getting to the heart of the nation and to uproot the stronghold of crime and violence, particularly in the entrenched garrison communities of Kingston, St. James and Spanish Town," he said.
"The TRC is not intended for revenge, embarrassment, ridicule, or a 'blame game', but a necessary tool for forgiveness, healing and reconciliation."
Three frameworks
Rev. Miller has proposed that the TRC would work from three basic frameworks, which include a human rights violation committee, an amnesty committee and a reparation and rehabilitation committee.
The aim is to appeal to civil and political Jamaica to come forward and tell their stories of violation, criminality and victimisation committed between the periods under review (1965-present) with the assurance that they would not be penalised.
Peter Espeut, talk show host and Gleaner columnist, believes that a TRC is necessary for the cleansing and purging of the nation's soul.
"It's a kind of cathartic experience - to wash out, to purge and cleanse the filth from the society's consciousness," he said. "I believe that Jamaicans are a people that can forgive, and that can come forward and tell the truth and ultimately that's what is necessary for us to get a hold on crime and to dismantle the garrisons."
He further said there was a history to the garrison constituencies and a connection between politics and the guns. "I believe we cannot resolve the political thuggery and the crime situation until individuals involved are willing to come clean," he said. "Not until politicians can come forward and say 'yes, I gave out guns and gunmen can come forward and say they got guns from the politicians," he added.
TRCs have been set up in other countries across the world, such as South Africa and some other African states where political oppression and civil wars have been rife. The TRC in South Africa was seen by many as a crucial component of the transition to full and free democracy and, despite some flaws, is generally regarded as successful.
However, there are those who believe that a TRC may not work in Jamaica.
Donna Parchment, vice-president of the Peace Management Initiative (PMI) said any process around restorative justice is a desirable way of addressing some of the problems that currently confront the nation.
However, Ms. Parchment believes that, for a TRC to work in Jamaica, it must be tailored to suit Jamaica's unique needs. Ms. Parchment said there would be a need for counsellors and social workers to assist victims and offenders to move forward towards the healing process.
athaliah.reynolds@gleanerjm.com