Westmoreland custos believes celebrating peace amid wars is a contradiction
Published:Wednesday | November 13, 2024 | 12:09 AMAlbert Ferguson/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Reverend Hartley Perrin, custos of Westmoreland, says he is disgusted by the ongoing violence plaguing the world as nations across the globe commemorate the end of World War II, which spanned 1939 to 1945.
Speaking with The Gleaner following Monday’s celebration of Remembrance Day, also known as Armistice Day, which honours the men and women who sacrificed their lives for peace in World Wars I and II, Perrin described the celebration as a contradiction of the violence now taking hold in many countries.
“While we were celebrating, we were very mindful of the wars that continue. Wars in Ukraine, in Haiti, as well as in the Middle East,” said Perrin “We are praying that the day will come when God so permits that wars will be no more, as it benefits no one.”
Reflecting on the level of lawlessness, which is being exhibited locally among criminal gangs, and the rampant crime resulting in Jamaicans being killed almost daily, Perrin said he was hoping for a future where humanity will cease waging wars, as he is longing for a time when people will genuinely embrace peace and harmony.
“Whereas in Jamaica we are not a nation at war, criminal elements continue to cause concern to many of us,” said Perrin, regarding the high levels of crime in Jamaica.
Perrin was referencing incidents such as the recent mass shooting at a bar in New Road, in Westmoreland, where marauders shot and killed three persons and injured eight others.
According to National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang, there has been a 15 per cent reduction in major crimes between January 1 and November 4 this year. However, the raw figures of 972 persons being murdered in that period, are nonetheless a frightening scenario, albeit a significant improvement over last year.
“The quarter we are coming out of, August, September, and October, has traditionally been the highest quarter for the year,” said Chang. “August, September, and October 2024 have been the lowest three months of the last five years. I emphasise that because it reflects the introduction of new strategies by Police Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake and the team.”