IN HIS OWN WORDS …

I believe that we can create a social order in which that youth ... however uneducated he might be, can be assured that his rights will be protected and his dignity respected no less than the man in his tailored suit and fancy car.

- Bruce Golding at his swearing-in on September 11, 2007"

As we continue to assess the performance of the Golding government after almost two years in office, today we examine the issue of national security. We asked: Have the changes in the ministers of national security impacted your perception about the Government's effort to make Jamaica a safer place?

Sonji Johnson, Account executive

KINGSTON

I don't get the feeling that they are actually trying to make Jamaica safer. To have three ministers, it does not say much for the person who has actually chosen them and I have not seen much from any of the three persons.

Alvin Murray, Farmer

MANCHESTER

A mere change of the minister or the changes made so far are just not enough. As a country, we need to start grappling with the real problems like honesty and the justice system.

Merdie Rowe, Retired policeman

ST ELIZABETH

What is needed to make Jamaica a safer place is a more professional police force. Corruption is a critical feature in any country to determine the safety of the citizens. There have been efforts to clean up the force but much more is needed.

Barbara Stewart, Retired pharmacist

WESTMORELAND

I don't think the changes have made any great impact on my perception. More needs to be done than just the mere fact of changing ministers of national security, like the matter of guns and bullets. Where are they coming from and who is supplying them?

Glendon Harris, Businessman

ST JAMES

No. The changes in the ministers have not made a difference. I think the approach is wrong. It's not necessarily a minister who is going to do it. It is the inclusion of the entire Jamaica and the will to reduce if not eliminate crime and violence in the society and we have to start from the small things.

Angela Haye, Parish development committee chair

HANOVER

Yes. Obviously, the Government is really concerned about taking the necessary steps to curb the crime in Jamaica but practically, I am not feeling it on the ground. So there is definitely a clear indication that more needs to be done. The citizens will have to play their part and the Government will have to do more.

Dennis Seivwright, Businessman

TRELAWNY

The change of a minister is not the problem. It's our political will to make the hard decisions. It's inclusion of the people in the process. No one minister can make the difference.

Rose Marie Green, Civic leader

ST CATHERINE

Jamaica has fallen into a catastrophe as far as crime and violence is concerned and none of these three national security ministers understands what our problem is. I would recommend that the prime minister himself take on this portfolio temporarily.

Rodean Wallace, Medical student

ST ANDREW

I don't think that the changes have really been impacting. I think there should be a more aggressive approach to stem the problem of crime and violence. A new minister is good, but one who is ready.

Sandra Kenton-Fraser, Principal, Sankofa Prep

ST THOMAS

It has impacted my perception. I think they have the interest of finding a suitable person. What I am a little surprised at is that it is taking so many attempts to find the right persons. That makes me a little nervous. I wonder if the suitable person would be a non-Jamaican.

Tracy Edwards, Environmental consultant

PORTLAND

I personally don't think that it has impacted. I think this Government is not competent enough to deal with the issues. I think criminals are even more on the loose now.

Bishop Richard Gordon, Religious leader

ST MARY

I believe that the changes that have been made have not put any confidence in the hearts of people or given a sense of enthusiasm. In fact, I feel that it's a guess-and-spell approach. But the security of this nation is not something that is altogether the Government's responsibility.

Chevanese Campbell, Educator

CLARENDON

My perception of the Government's efforts has not changed because even though there has been a change of ministers, the same strategies are being employed.

Pastor Wesley Boynes, Religious leader

ST ANN

A mere change of ministers cannot really cannot increase a feeling of safety in our crime-infested society. Until the crime problem is seen as a responsibility for every single member of our society, then we will be living with this monster for a long time to come.