THE EDITOR, Sir:OPERATION KINGFISH appears to be a very ambitious concept. The hope is that it will attain its desired objectives of eradicating organised crime with its negative influence on society, corruption and the extensive extortion overwhelming major urban centres.
A relevant question though is - what if this venture is indeed successful?
What has always been eluding the authorities is that solving the problem of crime and violence does not lie in confronting and attacking the problem at the level at which it is manifested (the symptom) but rather attacking the elements that generate the problem (the source).
For example, when Operation Kingfish will have accomplished its objective initially it will leave a tremendous amount of idle youth on the streets with no source of sustenance. This will motivate them to devise other undesirable alternative sources of sustenance which might be even more destructive than the ones presently being pursued.
Therefore, if Operation Kingfish succeeds in curtailing crime as it now exists, it is important to ensure perpetuity of this curtailment. A dynamic programme must be devised and implemented to ensure gainful occupation of these idle hands that will be vulnerable to more deviant behaviour.
For example, consider the matter of extortion which is said to yield substantial returns to criminal elements. Why not broker a deal with the merchants who are the main victims of extortion?
Instead of having these hordes of idle, vulnerable youth on the streets ready to pounce again, why not identify positive activities in which to engage them; a productive enterprise in which they can be active participants not only to advance themselves but also to control the tendency to deviant behaviour.
Here is an example of how it can be achieved:
(a) Identify a product that is extensively imported and which can be feasibly produced and marketed locally.
(b) Form a company consisting of merchants and community members.
(c) The merchants will contribute a portion (say 50 per cent) of the amount they presently provide for extortion. This will entitle them to share ownership. It will be an investment.
(d) Community members will contribute work equity as defined to achieve share ownership.
(e) Identify suitable location for production, sources for raw materials, machinery/ equipment, a management team and training resources, and merchants to undertake marketing,
The proposal might appear to be a naive approach to business but if properly initiated and administered by a rational and enterprising team, the results could be overwhelming. For example, a portion of the returns could be utilised for community enhancement programmes aimed at building self-esteem and other moral and social upliftment ideals ultimately attaining a level of general reform in terms of acceptable values and attitudes. Ultimately attaining a level of general reform in terms of acceptable values and attitudes.
This could see the beginning of a new social order.
I am etc.,
ALFONSO F. JACQUES
Padmore, St. Andrew
