The launch came a week after another round of states of public emergency were declared in sections of Clarendon and St. Catherine. In a JIS article, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said that the states of emergency would last for 14 days with a possibility of extension.
Jamaica has been plagued with unwarranted crimes and violence that seem to grow each day. What is the Ministry of National Security and by extension minister with responsibility, the Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, doing to tackle these acts? His Ministry has launched a campaign that should target vulnerable communities across Jamaica, by reaching and engaging all community members to 'liv gud'.
But how will this touch the black, stone hearts of criminals who behead their families, those who rape a 4-year-old, and those who commit broad daylight robberies and shootings?
Dr. Chang pointed out that it requires a culture change, one where we begin to look out for each other, thereby replicating the biblical concept of 'being our brother's keeper'. He said that the Jamaican society, which we are used to, seemed to be lost with the type of and frequent killings that are evident in our society. These acts are 'unJamaican'.
'Liv Gud' is expected to use the positives that are originally from each community, what is relatable to the residents, to influence behavioural change. According to the Ministry's statement, before the launch, there were four murals painted at the Prison Oval in St. Catherine, South Camp Road in Kingston, Glenmuir Road in Clarendon and Saunders Lane off Mountain View in Kingston. These images represented the values of the community. The good is believed to be innate in the residents, which just needs a little restoration and rebirth.
This is a good start but, if the government does not tackle the inner issues such as corruption, greed and blackmail, then people will always feel as if they need to fight the 'system'. Crime is bred from a feeling of injustice, lack of opportunities and accountability.
If you look at the crimes that are committed - lottery scamming, robberies/break-ins, shootings, rape - the majority are related to the 'quick cash' mentality. The Jamaican society has lost the togetherness, unity and love that once existed and it is the hope that it can be restored under 'Liv Gud'.
Another problem is the sustainability of these programmes, projects and campaigns. If adequate resources, support and thorough planning and implementation are not taken into consideration, by year-end, 'Liv Gud' will be just a memory of 2019. Then we would be right back at square zero, with no crime plan as stressed by the People's National Party.
For the sake of our humanity, I really hope this 'Liv Gud' works.
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