THE ERUPTION of street protests and industrial disputes across the island are portents of a potentially unstable year in Jamaica. Within a matter of a week there have been angry protests and sometimes violent confrontations in St. Elizabeth; Old Harbour; St. Catherine; Brown's Town, St. Ann; Kingston and Mandeville, Manchester.At least three of the incidents bear the familiar tale of the disputed version of events involving the police and civilians. The other incident involving senior personnel from the Super Plus Food Stores and employees over alleged theft of goods, has also triggered strong reaction and protests. On the industrial scene there is trouble in the bauxite and sugar industries.
While the incidents are unrelated and seemingly spontaneous, the authorities should be concerned that the society seems to be on edge - a tinder box just waiting to be ignited.
There is no singular factor contributing to the sense of tension in the society, but indications are that people in pockets of communities across the island are simply waiting for an excuse to take to the streets.
The austerity measures of the past few years, highlighted by a public sector Memorandum of Understanding that has left many employees bitter and angry, and the acknowledgement that last Christmas did not allow for the usual diversion of festivities, may all be contributing factors.
Not to be overlooked is the preoccupation of the governing People's National Party in conducting a campaign to select a leader to replace P.J. Patterson when he retires. And Mr. Patterson himself is still busy trying to craft a message of a positive legacy. In short, the country is drifting along without much of a sense of direction or leadership at present.
Given the current situation, the security forces would be well-advised to exercise utmost care and professionalism when seeking to apprehend criminal suspects.
The last thing the country needs now is any widescale civil unrest to add to its economic woes. The island's political and civic leaders need to step into the breach to defuse the rising tension.
