Uphold democratic principles and ensure citizen safety

THE EDITOR, Madam:

The escalating crime and violence in Jamaica are frightening. These incidents not only pose a threat to the safety of our citizens, but also to the democratic values we hold dear.

The high levels of crime and violence are symptomatic of deeper socio-economic issues. It is distressing to see that ordinary Jamaicans are often held responsible for the high rates of crime and violence, when in reality, these issues are outcomes of a society grappling with challenges such as unemployment, lack of education, and social neglect.

In this context, I would like to emphasise the importance of protecting our children. Our children have a right to be protected from abuse and harm, a right safeguarded in the Child Care and Protection Act (CCPA), which came into effect in 2004. The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) is a leader in Jamaica’s child protection system, with a combined legacy reputation for promoting child-friendly policies and ground-breaking programmes to strengthen families. However, more needs to be done to ensure the safety and well-being of our children.

Children are not just victims of crime and violence; in far too many instances, they are also the perpetrators. This is a clear indication that the cycle of violence is perpetuating itself through our children, and if we do not act now, we risk losing an entire generation to crime. Priority should be placed on child protection and to invest more resources in programmes that aim to protect children from becoming at risk. This can be done through child rights advocacy and public education.

Moreover, it is of utmost importance that we uphold the principles of democracy and ensure the safety and security of every citizen. Democracy is more than just the right to vote; it is about living in a society where one can express their views without fear and where the rule of law is upheld. Our political system is democratic, and features competitive elections and orderly rotations of power. However, corruption remains a serious problem, and long-standing relationships between officials and organised crime figures are thought to persist. Violent crime remains a concern, as does harassment and violence against LGBT+ people.

I would like to reiterate the importance of addressing the issue of crime and violence in our society. It is not just about ensuring the safety and security of our citizens, but also about upholding the principles of democracy and ensuring the overall well-being of our society.

BRIANNA SAMUDA