Jamaica’s dangerous criminal gangs

THE EDITOR, Madam:

A recent letter to the editor in The Gleaner titled ‘Politics has failed us, gangs have killed us’ by Tesha Allison underscores the urgency of addressing Jamaica’s crisis of gang violence and unmet political promises.

Our nation stands at a critical juncture where organised crime and ineffective governance intersect, posing a profound threat to public safety and social stability. More than 300 criminal gangs now operate across Jamaica, with a majority concentrated in the western region, especially in St James. These gangs, entrenched in extortion, lottery scamming, cybercrime, narcotics, and motor vehicle theft, hold entire communities in a grip of fear and stifling influence.

To counteract these threats, a multifaceted approach is essential, beginning with a significant increase in resources for the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA). Only with adequate funding — amounting to billions of dollars — can the JCF and MOCA effectively identify, investigate, and apprehend gang leaders and members. The magnitude of the current crisis cannot be overstated; these ruthless, well-funded gangs are responsible for much of the violence and bloodshed across Jamaica, reportedly with political ties in some cases.

To truly dismantle gang influence, we must ensure that no Jamaican, including businesspeople and politicians, is above the law. Every gang must be dismantled, and any individual connected to their activities, including public figures, should be held accountable. Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Opposition Leader Mark Golding, both honorable leaders, are expected to publicly denounce these criminal networks and confirm no connections within their ranks.

The police, committed to pursuing criminal masterminds importing guns, ammunition, and drugs, need public support to succeed. It is time for all Jamaicans to stand behind law enforcement in their battle to reclaim our communities from gang control.

ROBERT DALLEY