Rushing to the defence of National Security Minister Robert Montague in light of the harsh criticism directed at him in recent times, one of the vice-presidents of the Jamaica Labour Party's (JLP) youth arm, Young Jamaica, unwaveringly declared that the out-of-control crime situation was in no way the minister's fault.
Vice-president Sueyen Thompson, who has responsibility for Area Council 4 (which includes St James, Hanover, Trelawny, St Elizabeth and Westmoreland) told The Gleaner yesterday at the JLP's Belmont Road headquarters that if Montague's crime plans are implemented well, there will be a reduction in crime.
The executive body of Young Jamaica, including President Howard Chamberlain, met at the JLP headquarters to discuss a number of issues.
Thompson added that for the plans to work, holistic participation is necessary.
"It's not his fault! If the minister does come through with his plans, I am certain there will be a reduction in crime. For example, you see where a part of his plan is to provide additional resources for the police officers and the whole implementing of CCTV, which will actually do justice," Thompson said.
"The issue of crime should be holistic. The issue now is where persons are afraid to report whatever crime they see taking place, and that's what needs to be sorted out. Jamaica has a culture of informer must dead. There must be some measure in place to alleviate this fear of reporting (crimes). Then the issue will be solved to some extent."