We have been striving valiantly to remain in our comfort zones and forcing ourselves to believe that Jamaica is ok. But this delusion is unsustainable against the evidence of overwhelming odds. When we see a leader of a garrison wielding far more power and control in the community than the Government, is it any wonder that Jamaica is branded a 'failed state' by some people who are intrepid and speak frankly?

What we end up with is organised crimes in so many inner cities with 'business models' so obviously 'successful', it appeals to all petty disorganised criminals. If the dons and their operations in Kingston and Spanish Town are so successful, why should they not establish branches or franchises in May Pen and Mandeville, etc.? It is far more difficult to deal with organised crimes than to deal with random crimes by individuals and petty criminals.

Our police force owns a lot of the blame for this malaise. Neglect of inner-city problems by government agencies inevitably forces residents to resort to their own substitute devices in order to survive. The problem morphed when criminals were allowed to develop huge power bases which defy legitimate institutions. No entity gives up the power it has amassed easily and the first responsibility of power is to maintain its power base or garner more power.

I am, etc.,

L.A. Bert Ramsay

florissano1@hotmail.com

Atlanta, Georgia, USA