THE EDITOR, Sir:
I WAS angered and annoyed when I read a headline in THE STAR of Monday, March 13 - 'Bull Bay mob attacks'. It was an all too familiar scenario which occurs with startling regularity across the length and breadth of our unfortunate island - 'Citizens' launching attacks on the police in trying to perform their duties.
It would appear as if criminality and lawlessness have become institutionalised. The minds of many of our people have become warped and their sense of judgement and rationality has been obliterated. The Jamaica Constabulary Force is far from perfect and has more than its share of problems and questionable operations. Regardless, however, the public still expects their protection.
Many a screaming woman and shirtless, shouting man has appeared on television in the aftermath of some violent crime, predominantly in inner-city and lower-income areas, voicing boisterous protests, 'Di police naw do nuutt'n!' or 'We want justice!'
In many other instances, known criminals have been killed by the police (most notable two recent prominent incidents in Spanish Town) and residents loot, shoot, burn and pillage to express their wrath at the police. How dare they kill our leader, our don, our messiah!
T-shirts are printed and the images of criminals worn with pride close to the breast of many a wailing woman. Huge pictures are hung in town squares and murals painted to commemorate these 'heroes'. Large motorcades complete with 'bad man' motorcycle escorts and funerals are startling displays of fashion and automotive exhibition. Politicians and their entourages, not to be left out of the show, show up at these funerals and the fanfare is immense.
LESSONS BEING LEARNT
Our children are observing and the lessons are being absorbed and practised quite efficiently. The next generation of criminals are already putting these lessons into practice from as early as the pre-teen years.
These are dark days in the history of our country and the darkness seems to thicken as time progresses. Lawlessness seems to be the order of the day. Criminals are almost canonised and law enforcement personnel demonised. The dissenting voices are but weak, pathetic whimpers in the steadily amplifying din of crime and anarchy.
I am, etc.,
VIVIAN COLLINS
viviancol2000@yahoo.com
Nassau, Bahamas
