John Myers Jr.- Staff Reporter
THE UNITED Nations Devel-opment Programme (UNDP) has spent roughly $30 million to develop a Civic Dialogue Project as part of efforts to address the problem of crime and violence and enhance the development of the people, especially those living in inner-city communities.
The Civic Dialogue Project began operating in February of this year, and has been in several communities across the island.
Dr. Noel Watson, executive coordinator of the project, said the programme is aimed at "setting up a core team of Jamaicans to identify the problems with Jamaica, reach a consensus on the problems and (find a way) how to deal with them".
COMMON VISION
"Once that group has reached a consensus, we try and get Jamaicans from all over to come on board with a common vision to change the country because there is a recognition that things may not be going how we like," he said.
The current team consists of a judge and representatives of civic groups and persons living in inner cities.
Through the 'civic scenario model', which is also used in South Africa, Paraguay and El Salvador, the team identifies and examines the implications for the country based on current problems.
Dr. Watson said crime and unemployment reduction, corruption, education and parenting and the environment are the top issues identified.
RUN BY A DON
At a workshop at the Jamaica Conference Centre, downtown Kingston, on Sunday, more than 100 people from various communities in central Kingston were shown scenarios depicting the possibility for Jamaica; what it would be like if it should be run by a don, what would happen if crime and violence is allowed to take over, the creation of an environment in which systems are implemented to stifle economic development and what would happen if everybody should come together to ensure the growth and development of the country over a 10-year period.
