http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/editorial/Violent-crime-threatening-to-kill-Carib bean-paradise_12438623

Mobilizing external assistance may not be the answer. Be reminded that drug running was a major factor in financing guerilla groups in Central America (Nicaragua etc). I suggest Interpol would be of more assistance. That being said, the problem in Jamaica and elsewhere is political corruption and cronyism. The politicians are already co-opted (ask Dudus). Until radical surgery is given to the "s...stem", nothing will change!

I'm back a Yard From Yard. I can say "Mornin..." now. There is humour everywhere, musicians and singers abound, wood carving masters and students, old and new farmers sharing the Creators blessings with their care, Green Understanding/Overstanding is happening, the angels among us, grandmothers and the sharing that is natural to us.

I felt the risk of being in the territories of bears, cougars and deer ticks out in the northern bush. From the rude boys and girls when in towns. Yea, shooting a gwaan in the developed world too.

Don't attract wild animals with food scents or jugglers with flash and wealth. Say yes sir to the law and behave.

Anywhere, anytime; expect the unexpected. I know there are the cold hearted among us, some with blood on their hands. Where are they not?

Let me know if you do come and what you experience.

All the best.

Must say I intensely admire Turey's habit of always looking for and accentuating the positive. I'm not sure what his soul feeds on which allows him to be like that, but I for one see and appreciate it. "It is better to light a single candle than to curse the darkness". I will aspire to be as positive and solution-oriented as I can, without closing my eyes and mind to the many challenges which surround us.

Tried the other way AM. No good.

Best.

If you are living in the United States, add your voice to those calling for that country's government to do something about the free movement of American made guns and ammunition to Jamaica!

Jamaica's crime problem must not be looked at in isolation. It is very much connected to activities in other countries, including some Americans' insatiable appetite for drugs.

Jamaica must do all it can to deal with its crime problem but even if the local authorities did all they could it would not be enough.

Jamaica does not manufacture guns. Jamaica does not have a "right to bear arms" in its constitution. Any country that has such a "right" has a moral obligation to keep all of those arms within its own borders; they should not be allowed to cross those borders into smaller, more vulnerable countries and destabilise their societies.

There are approximately 303 million humans living in the United States and almost as many guns. Every year the Jamaican security forces recover an average of 600 illegal firearms, most of them coming from that monstrous stockpile in the United States and yet that recovery rate doesn't seem to make a dent in the availability of guns.

So, when our fellow Jamaicans living in the United States begin to get frightened about returning for even a brief visit to their homeland, they should think about the role that their adopted country might be playing in the misery being heaped on the heads of their law abiding countrymen.

And if you want further evidence of the outrageous impact of American firearms on another country, just look across the Southern border to Mexico.

Nuff said!

The guns being shipped to Jamaica are in exchange for drugs. If America legalized drugs and made them available at a reasonable price like they do for a Red Stripe or a bottle of Appleton then the incentive to ship guns would go way down. I don't think legalization is going to happen in my lifetime. This doesn't mean no more guns would enter Jamaica but it means a lot less would. Don't ask America to help you because they are a big part of your problem.

I am sad, so sad; I do not know where to begin. How can someone be so heartless to kill, by looking at her picture, such a pleasant girl and her baby? Sometimes I wonder if some of these killers are demons possessed. When you are truly Christ-like, you know how to handle things, each time the bad thoughts (Satan) enter one’s mind, it is replaced with the good (Christ) thoughts. I think some people cherish the thought of killing and this is why it happens. I could NEVER take a pin and pierce a person’s flesh never mind to kill!! What is wrong with these 3 words, “Do not kill?” I have watched with disgust, when there is an accident on the road the crowd of people that surrounds the wreckage, just to look at blood and dead bodies. I do not know where some of these onlookers get the heart from. Police should begin to take more care when it comes to the dignity of the deceased and get these onlookers away from the death scene. I have seen little children looking on as if this is normal. What are we going to do steer children away from these scenes? If they are exposed to gruesome scenes like these, what kind of adults we expect them to be? People, we cannot keep doing the same thing and expect change. We must develop a plan NOW. How are we going to get it into the heads of the young children that killing is wrong? Parents and teachers must begin to teach the children respect for life, other people’s property etc. That piece of land belongs to Mr. Brown. If you need to go on his property, please ask him. If you want to use something that does not belong to you, please ask permission, whether it’s your sister, brother, mom, dad- ask. It does not belong to you. Begin with the simple things in life. By asking, you respect the person’s property. Respect for life will fall in place. Lord, help us!!

I would challenge the person who wrote the article to come home and see for themselves. I always love the folks that say, "Isn't it dangerous there? Don't they have unrest there all the time?" My question back is usual, "Have you ever been there?"

I'm not ignorant. I know there are parts of Jamaica I most certainly would not want to live. And yes, there are parts of America and any other country in the world where I would not want to live. I know Jamaica is not perfect and has lots of serious issues facing the future. But I look forward to doing my small part in working towards solutions to the problem and not just writing articles which add to the problem by exaggerating irrational fears.

I'm with Turey on this one all the way. I've been very blessed to be able to make a choice of where to live and my choice, my home is Treasure Beach, Jamaica.

Fed Up, if they can't use the gun, they will use the knife or other weapon. It's the mind of the people.

thinker, which would you rather be attacked with: a knife or a gun?

You may now be able to eliminate all risk, but you can definitely reduce it.

Yes, Rebecca! Yes, Turey!

Ditto Rebecca-nuff said.

I don't think eliminating firearms is the answer. I think eliminating the murderer is the answer. Especially here in the U.S. Maybe "an eye for an eye" isn't a bad concept.

Fed Up and Guns for Drugs have noted a huge part of the problem. The US and their overly lenient gun laws are contributing to the crime problem. This is not to say that there are not a good number of criminals in Jamaica who would stop at nothing to do what they want to innocent people to get what they want without the bother of honestly working. There are horrible people living in every country of the world.

Do not be afraid to come back home. Most areas of Jamaica are safer than most areas of the US.

FELLOW COUNTRY MEN/WOMEN:

Guns by THEM-SELVES,DOES NOT Kill Anyone.Unless they Drop OFF a Table and the Weapon GOES OFF.Or,
some other situation,similiar occurs.(An Accident)

My OPINION IS...ALL Countries Gov't WOULD CALL IN
ALL,Of THEIR CITIZENS,who HAVE Guns and MAKE A Deal. TRUSTING ALL Gun(S)Owner(S)would comply to that DEAL...What iS the DEAL?

We the GOVERNMENT(Law of the Land)will NOT ARREST
YOU,if YOU FREELY GIVE UP YOUR WEAPONS, to US.We Will PAY YOU back,what YOU PAID for YOUR Guns.and
YOU do NOT BUY ANY-MORE. Do YOU AGREE, or Disagree
Just ASKING.Politician said they hate CRIMES,that
would PROVE IT: The LOVE of MONEY IS the ROOT of
ALL, EVIL.

Violence in Jamaica...A Perspective for I-dle Discussion...

Observer Link:
www.jamaicaobserver.com/columns/Violence-and-Jamaica_11242909

JAMAICAN BORN and GREW-UP:

I MENTION it BEFORE.And ONCE AGAIN! PLEASE!!!STOP,
BLAMING Jamaica, U.S.A.,and OTHER Countries,for Crimes: Read this Note WITH Clear UNDER-STANDING:

JAMAICA,IS a Physical LAND that Produces FOOD,WATER,etc.,for it Citizens and Guests.Jamaica
IS the Name of a SPECIFIC Place.

Jamaica,HAVE IT'S OWN,Laws and Regulations that Govern. (It's PEOPLE.)

Jamai-CANS, Ameri-CANS,Canadi-ANS,Itali-ANS,Australi-ANS,Russi-ANS,Trinidadi-ANS,Greeci-ANS, Indi-ANS,etc; We are SOME of the People,listed
here,WHO COMMITS Crime(s).Let US ADMIT,we the People, HAVE WICKED HEARTS > and WICKED MINDS: SAD- to SAY.But,WE Must Address IT,as it IS:

WHEN,Humans HEARTS BECOME HARD Like Stones> the
REMEDY IS PRISON,(For Pre-vention),Death,Or a HEART-TRANS-FORM-ATION, by, OUR CREATOR.

PLEASE!!!PLEASE!!!PLEASE!!! STOP Blaming Countries NAMES> and CALL the GUILTY NAMES,After a
JUDGE & JURY,SAID SO.Point the FINGER,WHERE?? ....

tk, it seems you are not aware of the huge number of Americans on death row for years who have been freed after DNA evidence confirmed that they were innocent.

Tragically, some were not so fortunate. They were executed before the evidence was produced to prove their innocence. The problem became so troubling for one governor (it might have been in Illinois or Louisiana) some years ago that he put a hold on all further executions, pending a thorough investigation.

So if you believe that simply going ahead and executing all murder convicts I'd implore you to think again.

{edited by TBNet}

Denial, Denial.

Guns for Drugs
I agree with the legalization of all drugs.
However, I do not see how that would reduce the availability of guns in Jamaica.
Both illegal drugs and illegal guns have have a very high monetary value.
So if drugs was legal and decreased in value, then people would still trade in guns, but will ask for cash instead of drugs.
ONE LOVE !!
Mike

I have mixed feeling on what Mikey Mike says. I would agree that guns are a huge part of the violence in the illegal drug trade. Yes, decriminalizing ALL drugs would greatly reduce gun violence (i.e. 1+1=2). However I do think the situation in Jamaica is a little different. My opinion is that guns in Ja is not so much about drugs, but are more concentrated towards robbery and murder unrelated to drugs.

The excitement of being in Jamaica, for the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, was obvious and according to one patron, "You know what was one of the best aspects of the whole thing? … The open hearts of the RPO musicians."

From: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20120918/ent/ent1.html

Openheartedness is indeed a key to thriving in Jamaica. And everywhere.

Sentry
The guns enter Jamaica via the drug trade.

Turey
Are you sure your post is for this topic ?

ONE LOVE !!
Mike

Yes MM, thread started with fear of returning to Ja and went to guns and drugs.

The more hands holdings textbooks and musical instuments, the less to bear arms with bad intent.

RIGHT ON !!!!!! Turey
ONE LOVE !!
Mike

Turey, where did you get that powerful quote? I would like to use it. Please post the source. Thanks

The whispering of the Muses LP, no copyright. They forgot tools.

Best.

Turey makes those up himself. There is a prophet amongst us. Really....

A good read from the 11th edition of the Encyclopedia Britannica Saint:

http://www.1911encyclopedia.org/Prophet

Turey, your sidetrack reminds me of my confusion years ago with guns and musical instruments: As a young country bumkin newly come to town, I saw an ad in the newspaper for a movie called "Fiddler on The Roof". The black and white ad was cheap and poorly printed and was barely perceptible, and gave the impression of a man on the roof holding a rifle. I decided to go to the movie thinking I was going to see a Western. The rest is history!

I agree with you that the guns enter via the drug trade MM, but my observation is that, without said trade, criminals would still get their hands on them to wage political warfare and to feed their lust for robbery and cold blooded murder. Nowadays, it's not enough for them to just rob you.

Aye Sentry, I've noticed some waiting apprehensively until I open my guitar case and reveal the emotion machine of wood, brass and nylon. It can penetrate deeper than any ordnance, straight to the soul, and can open hearts without spilling blood.

I think there are many people who want to come back to Jamaica to live but they are dead scared. Crime is everywhere, I admit. No where is safe anymore. However, when a citizen has to keep looking over his/her shoulder all the time, this is reason for great concern. Let's face it, everyone is scared. The crime only happens to you once and your life is gone. It is easy enough to console someone by telling them, "O, I have lived here for 70 years and I am still here. No one will trouble you except if you involve in something." Fact is, I have known of people who lived in Jamaica all their lives and met violent death----wrong place at the wrong time, wrong identity, jealousy, you name it, you never know. I have a friend who confided in me that when she comes to Jamaica and some of her friends invite her to their homes, she is afraid to go because she does not know who their extended associates are. Jamaica would be a paradise, if only we could all love one another---talking about loving one another, how can we love another person if we do not love ourselves? If we love ourselves, we would not be killing another human being. For those of us who do not love ourselves, can we work towards loving ourselves? It will take hard work to build a Jamaica with less crime. It needs people with a "heart" to get into the homes, schools and have educational dialogue with small children before it's too late. Something has to go into place, with the right people having the right minds. Forget about the churches, as Christ like as I am. No prayer will help. People must want to be changed. We are all born with a conscience and we choose our paths. A friend of mine asked me the other day why bad things happen to good people. Simple. If I were held up by a gunman who really wanted to kill me, the killer's heart would have to change instantly with a Christ-like message before he discharges those bullets. Firing those bullets will kill me. It is not because you are good, it is because someone with a demonic (Satan’s )heart kills you. That is why bad things happen to good people. The good and evil cross each other's path so the good and evil face each other . So, then we need to develop the good hearts in our children from day one, daily. The parents will also have to admit if/when their children are in the wrong and no cover up. Explain to the child why he/she is wrong and give an alternative approach. Never tell the child he is wrong without telling him/her the best way and give the reason why. Children like to be reasoned with. When I was a kid, whenever I do something not pleasing to her, my aunt would tell me that I was out of order. I did not understand what she meant or why she said that. Sadly, I had to figure it out in my older years. If only she knew to sit me down and gently tell me why she thought I was wrong, and tell me the correct way, I could have been a better person.

Gun is not the problem. Gun does not fire on its own. People's evil hearts are the problem. They can't find guns, they use the knives or other weapon. They want something from you, they kill you; you say something they do not like, they kill you; they envy you, they kill you. etc. So, why, then are we blaming the guns? Look at the way they behead people. Is this a gun problem? I can see a million guns and would never have the heart to use one to kill someone. Anger is the problem. What makes some of these people so angry? Please try to change the hearts of the people by beginning to work on the young children now, so that when these older criminals are feeble/old, this evil life will be phased out. The government must develop a plan to be used in the schools and at homes. If we keep on doing the same thing, we are going to get the same results. Two powerful actions--love and respect can make a big difference. Shower the children with unconditional love. I know this man in his 50's whose dad is married with children and he refuses to own him. I heard him said to his dad, "Own me nuh sah?" I could see the hurt in the big man's eyes. His other brothers/sisters are living comfortable while he is roaming, trying to be stable. This man admitted the child was his at birth but years after the dad got married to another woman he neglected the child. Kids grow up to be angry in this kind of a situation. There are so many things that cause these young men to be angry.

Sunshine is a very wise person.

Cheap Energy...Low Crime Key to Growth:

When I hear people talk about the need for tougher legislation and greater crime-fighting resources, I wonder if we are really serious about solving crime. Or more importantly, if we really understand what is necessary to fight crime.

Recently, five brutal rapes were committed. I hope that the response is not like when we had a spate of missing children, including young Ananda at the time, where everyone responds with disgust and then it is forgotten until another outrageous incident occurs.

Because if we are really serious about solving crime, and at the same time fixing the economy, then we cannot be speaking about measures to deal with criminals, after the crime is committed.
We will need to address the problem of lack of law and order, that is what leads to crime.
We must deal with the indiscipline on the roads, the violation of the night noise act, the violation of the zoning laws, and, very importantly, the very slow process of the court system.

What we need is a society ruled by law and order. Not one where we are concerned about the murders and rapes when they occur, but as citizens still continue to practise the indiscipline on the roads and ignore our neighbours' right to peace and quiet.

There is a very strong link between law and order and economic growth and investment.

People, and companies, don't reside in a country just because murders and rapes are low, which of course is necessary. But they reside in a country because there are opportunities and the society is a disciplined one, where people's rights are respected and enforced quickly.

Observer Opinion by Dennis Chung
www.jamaicaobserver.com/business/Cheap-energy--low-crime-key-to-growth_12638947

Education cut crime.

I agree, education cut crime. I went to Jamaica recently and I was so surprise I met a couple of young men and young ladiess that could not read. Guns is not the problem people are.

I agree, education cut crime. I went to Jamaica recently and I was so surprise I met a couple of young men and young ladiess that could not read. Guns is not the problem people are.